Rising Decline in School Vaccination Rates Across the Mid-South

Rising Concerns Over Declining Immunization Rates

As the school year approaches, the waiting room at Le Bonheur Children’s Outpatient Center in Memphis, Tennessee, is expected to be filled with children and their families seeking medical appointments. Pediatricians like Dr. Jason Yaun are preparing for a busy season, which includes routine checkups and back-to-school immunizations. However, recent data reveals a troubling trend: immunization rates for school-age children are on the decline across the country, including in the Mid-South region.

According to the latest federal health data for the 2023-24 school year, vaccine coverage among kindergarteners has dropped from 95% over the past decade to just under 93%. This decline has remained relatively stable since then. Dr. Yaun attributes this drop to several factors, including challenges related to access during the pandemic. “We haven’t seen that rebound,” he said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to protect both children and communities.

While the Mid-South states show coverage rates close to or slightly higher than national averages, they too are experiencing a downward trend. Mississippi, for example, maintains one of the highest vaccination rates in the nation at 97.5%, but this is down from nearly 99% in previous years. In Arkansas, immunization rates range between 91% and just under 95%, while Tennessee's rates fall between 94% and 95%. According to the Tennessee Department of Health’s Kindergarten Survey, only 92.8% of children entering kindergarten were fully immunized for the 2023-24 school year, marking the third consecutive year of decline.

Dr. Yaun warns that falling immunization rates increase the risk of preventable diseases. He highlighted the recent measles outbreak that began in Texas, noting that as of mid-July, Tennessee had six confirmed cases, all involving unvaccinated individuals. “Measles has a high hospitalization rate, and about one out of a thousand children infected will die from it,” he explained.

In response to rising concerns, state health leaders in Mississippi have issued alerts about a significant increase in whooping cough cases. These cases have already doubled compared to the total number from the previous year. State Epidemiologist Renia Dotson, M.D., noted that while low vaccination rates are a concern, they are not the sole cause of the rise in cases. “We are concerned and that’s why we are doing our due diligence,” she said, adding that public health officials are working to provide more access to care through community clinics.

Lanetra Wiley, a nurse practitioner with Memphis Shelby County Schools, is helping to bridge this gap. She works at free back-to-school wellness check and vaccination events offered by the district in partnership with Christ Community Health Services. These events run through the first week of August, aiming to make immunizations more accessible for families. “Sometimes it’s really difficult for families to get into appointments and have access to care,” Wiley said. “So we’re bringing the immunizations to the community.”

Despite these efforts, the overall immunization rate in Shelby County stands at just over 94%, slightly below the statewide goal of 95%. A closer look at the data also shows that religious exemptions have increased alongside declining vaccination rates. For instance, in Tennessee, 3.4% of kindergarteners had a religious exemption on file for the 2023-24 school year, up from 3% the previous year. In Shelby County, 2% of students filed for such exemptions.

Dr. Yaun encourages parents and families who are hesitant about vaccinations to engage in open conversations with their pediatricians. “Let’s talk about it,” he said. “That’s why your pediatrician is here. Talk to your doctor and use those reliable health resources.”

Beyond immunizations, Dr. Yaun emphasizes the importance of annual wellness visits. These visits provide an opportunity to address a wide range of health concerns, from preventive care to mental and behavioral health. As the school year begins, many families also seek sports physicals during this time.

For more information on free immunization clinics, vaccines, and exemption requirements, families can consult the state health departments of Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee.