The California Department of Public Health has released its annual report on vaccination rates for California students. The 2023-2024 CDPH Kindergarten Immunization Assessment report shows that California immunization rates for kindergarten students remain higher than the national average.

While measles outbreaks are occurring in many parts of the world, including the United States (Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma), California continues to report more than 95% measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) coverage among kindergarteners. The state has maintained this level of vaccination – the level necessary to prevent community spread, for nearly a decade.

“California’s immunization requirements for schools are helping protect children and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer, Dr. Erica Pan. “With recent outbreaks of measles in other states, we can’t stress enough how important it is to stay current with vaccinations. Sadly, the consequences of not getting vaccinated can result in severe illness and even death.”

Recent Measles Cases and the Importance of Vaccinations: Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can be particularly dangerous for infants and young children. Measles begins with a fever that lasts for a couple of days, followed by a cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and a rash. The best way to protect against measles is to get the MMR vaccine, and the vaccine is safe and effective at preventing measles, mumps and rubella.

Measles cases have been increasing in the U.S. with 378 confirmed cases in 18 states in 2025 as of March 20. The majority of U.S. cases have come from a major outbreak in Texas and New Mexico, primarily affecting unvaccinated children who had not received the MMR vaccine. Vaccination rates in the most impacted county in these outbreaks have been reported as low as 82%. Two deaths have occurred as the result of these outbreaks, one in New Mexico and one in Texas.

To date, CDPH has reported eight confirmed measles cases in California in 2025. All of these cases are linked to international travel to countries with current measles outbreaks. CDPH encourages people visiting areas where measles outbreaks are occurring to plan ahead and get vaccinated before traveling as it takes two to three weeks after getting the MMR vaccine to develop optimal protection.

The 2023-24 CDPH Kindergarten Immunization Assessment report showed that MMR vaccination rates have remained stable in California. The report found a minor increase in vaccination rates among private school students, from 95.3% to 95.8%, and a minor decrease among public school students, from 96.6% to 96.2% Importantly, MMR coverage among California kindergarteners statewide has exceeded 95% since at least 2016-2017. Ninety-five percent is an approximate threshold necessary to prevent the transmission of measles.

Overall, the report finds California kindergarten immunization rates remain higher than national averages reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Immunization rates vary across the state, however, and children in schools and regions with lower rates are at higher risk of contracting and transmitting vaccine preventable diseases, such as measles. Efforts to monitor, support and increase immunizations to protect students should continue in all communities.

Key findings from the 2023-2024 report include:

In 2023-2024, 99% of public schools and 88% of private schools reported student immunization status.

94% of kindergarten students received all required immunizations in 2023-2024, compared to 94% in 2022-2023 and 93% in 2020-2021.

In the 2023-2024 school year, only 0.1% of reported kindergarten students had medical exemptions, the lowest rate since 2015-2016.

California vaccination completion rates among kindergarteners remain high and exceed nationwide rates in the U.S.

Scheduling an MMR Vaccine: Everyone 12 months and older should receive two MMR doses. Babies 6 to 11 months are recommended to get one dose of MMR vaccine before traveling internationally or domestically to areas with known outbreaks. If you are not sure you are vaccinated against measles, check your CA Digital Vaccine Record (DVR) or ask your healthcare provider. If you have no record of measles vaccine, you should get vaccinated, especially if you are traveling internationally.

MMR vaccines are covered for most people through their health insurance plans, including Medi-Cal and regular health care providers.

Schedule a vaccine appointment by visiting MyTurn.ca.gov, or contacting your local pharmacy or health care provider. People having difficulty obtaining vaccines can contact their health care provider or local health department for help finding a place to get immunized.

CDPH offers additional measles information on its website, as well as a measles toolkit with flyers, social media assets and more.