CNN 5 Things One Thing: How Vaccine Opt-Outs Could Put Classrooms at Risk
Aug 10, 2025
Philip Huang, the Director of the Dallas County Health and Human Services Department, discusses the alarming rise in vaccine exemptions for U.S. kindergartners and the potential public health risks, particularly amidst a measles outbreak. He emphasizes the balance between individual choice and community immunity. Huang also tackles the misinformation surrounding vaccines that fuels hesitancy and highlights the need for trusted communication to combat public health crises. His insights underscore the urgency of addressing these challenges as schools reopen.
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Record Kindergarten Vaccine Declines
- CDC data show a record share of kindergartners missed required vaccines.
- This raises measles and outbreak risk as schools reopen.
95% Coverage Needed For Measles Control
- Measles requires about 95% vaccination coverage to achieve herd immunity.
- Small declines below that threshold can trigger large outbreaks in pockets.
Protect Herd Immunity By Limiting Exemptions
- Avoid allowing non-medical vaccine exemptions to maintain herd immunity.
- Do require vaccinations for school entry to protect medically exempt children.