AAP urges end to nonmedical vaccine exemptions

The American Academy of Pediatrics reiterated its call to end nonmedical exemptions for routine childhood vaccinations for school attendance. In a revised policy statement, the AAP expressed concern with the growth of nonmedical vaccine exemptions. The organization says the variation in how different states implement nonmedical exemption policies is leading to disparities in immunization coverage and causing schools to be less safe. However, the AAP says it continues to support medical exemptions from immunizations when granted appropriately. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data show the national exemption rate has risen to 3.3% in the 2023-2024 school year, with 93% of the exemptions granted for nonmedical reasons. Routine childhood vaccine uptake in U.S. kindergartners in 2023-24 declined to below 93% from 95% in 2019-20. (CIDRAP news release, 7/28/25)