More Than 1 in 3 Oregon Schools Fall Below 93% Measles Threshold as Exemptions Hit 10.9%
Updated
Updated · KEZI TV · May 28
More Than 1 in 3 Oregon Schools Fall Below 93% Measles Threshold as Exemptions Hit 10.9%
3 articles · Updated · KEZI TV · May 28
More than one-third of Oregon schools with at least 10 students now report MMR vaccination rates below 93%, putting them at high risk of a measles outbreak, state health officials said.
Oregon tied that warning to record-low childhood coverage: only 85.6% of kindergarteners are up to date on required vaccines for 2025-26, while nonmedical exemptions climbed to a record 10.9% from 6.9% in 2021-22.
The second measles shot has the highest kindergarten exemption rate at 9.4%, up from 4.9% a decade ago, and officials said pockets of low coverage exist in schools across all 36 counties.
OHA urged families to check school-level immunization data rather than rely on county or statewide averages, noting measles typically requires 92% to 94% immunity to prevent wider spread.
With Oregon's vaccine exemptions at a record high, is a fatal measles complication making a comeback?
Why is Oregon’s vaccine exemption rate soaring past the national average, creating outbreak hotspots?
As communities face conflicting vaccine advice, what local strategies can successfully prevent disease outbreaks?
Oregon’s Vaccine Decline: Nonmedical Exemptions Hit 10.9%, Undermining Herd Immunity and Public Health
Overview
Oregon is facing a serious public health challenge as immunization rates decline and nonmedical exemptions rise, creating a vulnerable environment for preventable diseases. This has led to outbreaks across the state, with the actual number of cases likely underreported. Nonmedical exemption rates are reaching historic highs year after year, making some communities especially at risk. The statewide average for student vaccinations can be misleading, as it hides areas with much lower coverage. These trends highlight an urgent need for policy intervention to protect Oregon’s communities and children from preventable illnesses.