Connecticut's Vaccination Rate for Kindergarten Students Among Nation's Best

Connecticut continues to receive top marks nationally for immunization rates as the first day of school approaches. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Connecticut ranked highest in the country for two-dose measles vaccination rate.

The percentage of Connecticut kindergarten students receiving required measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine in the 2024–2025 school year is 98.3%. This is an increase of 0.5% from the previous year.  

Connecticut’s increasing vaccination rate stands in stark contrast to the national vaccination rate, according to offical data.  Nationally, vaccination coverage among kindergartners decreased for all reported vaccines from the year before, ranging from 92.1% for diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP) to 92.5% for measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR) and polio vaccine, according to the CDC. 

High vaccination rates protect not only vaccinated children but also those who cannot or have not been vaccinated. This is called herd immunity. Connecticut is one of only 10 states or jurisdictions in the United States to achieve MMR vaccine coverage above the 95% threshold considered necessary for measles herd immunity this school year. 

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is reminding parents that updated immunizations should also be on their children’s back-to-school lists. Parents and the public can access information on immunization completion rates for schools in Connecticut by visiting data.ct.gov and typing in “school immunization survey data.” 

“Staying up to date on routine vaccines, particularly as we head into back-to-school season, is crucial for protecting children from preventable diseases and maintaining community-level immunity” said DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. “The proximity of students and highly touched surfaces contribute to the rapid spread of germs and increased risk of illness among students, staff, and their families. Additionally, vaccines reduce missed school days due to illness, allowing students to stay on track with their education. Our high vaccination rates have helped Connecticut remain one of ten states that has not had a case of measles yet as cases continue to accumulate around the country.”  

The CDC reported that Connecticut non-medical exemptions slightly decreased from 2023–2024 to the 2024-2025 school years but rose nationally by 0.3 percent. 

Schools that achieve herd immunity reduce the risk of outbreaks. High vaccination rates at schools are especially important for medically fragile children. Some children have conditions that affect their immunity, such as illnesses that require chemotherapy. These children might not be able to receive all recommended vaccines and might be less able to fight off illness. They depend on those around them to stay healthy. 

“School attendance is foundational to learning and academic success, and staying healthy supports consistent attendance and ability to learn,” said Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell Tucker. “As families prepare for the new school year, we encourage them to consult their child’s primary care provider to confirm immunizations are up to date and to schedule appointments, if necessary, prior to the start of school—helping sustain regular attendance from day one and strengthen healthy learning environments for all students.” 

DPH officials indicate that to learn how to get your or your child’s vaccine record securely online, visit ct.gov/getmyvaccinerecord. The CT WiZ Public Portal is a confidential and free service provided by the Connecticut Department of Public Health Immunization Program.  

Anyone with questions regarding the Connecticut Vaccine Program can call 860-509-7929 or email dph.immunizations@ct.gov.