A nationwide decline in childhood vaccination rates threatens the US's immunity against preventable diseases like measles. An NBC News investigation reveals that 77% of US counties have seen vaccination rates fall since 2019, with exemption rates doubling in many areas. St. Louis exemplifies this trend, showing a sharp drop in kindergarten vaccination rates. This decline is attributed to rising exemptions, healthcare access issues, and anti-vaccine messaging. While most parents support vaccines, the movement against immunization is growing, hindering efforts to achieve herd immunity and putting children at risk.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.