Mississippi, Tennessee and West Virginia have some of the highest childhood vaccination rates. Experts worry a rising tide of vaccine skepticism is causing those bright spots to dim.

Summary

Childhood vaccination rates in Mississippi, Tennessee, and West Virginia, traditionally high, are declining due to rising vaccine skepticism.

CDC data shows the percentage of kindergartners with vaccine exemptions reached a record 3.3% nationwide in 2023-24.

Experts link this trend to anti-vaccine movements and “health freedom” advocacy.

This trend could lead to a resurgence of preventable diseases like measles and whooping cough, as seen in states with low vaccine uptake like Florida and Georgia.

  • HubertManne
    10•22 hours ago

    you know its sorta funny because things like this started with real niche groups in affluent blue states. California, new york, etc. The numbers were small in states with very good (for the us) healthcare. So they were able to go for years and be like. Theres no ill effect everyone should do it. Then it became part of the new right like all crazy coocoo things have and blasted to a level were its a real problem. I still can’t believe the most basic of our health measures that transformed humanity as far as survival are being thrown out by people. Next I assume will be soap and antiseptics.

    • @EmpathicVagrant
      5•11 hours ago

      There’s a ton of folks who whine about having to wash up, I’ve seen multiple (anecdotal) notes of people referring to germs and other things we can’t see without tools as ‘a hoax’

      • HubertManne
        5•11 hours ago

        Man I really envy the silent generation. dying just soon enough to mostly skip this bullshit.