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flag Oregon's kindergarten vaccine exemption rate hit a record 9.7% in 2024-2025, fueling a surge in whooping cough cases and infant deaths.

flag Oregon's kindergarten vaccine exemption rate reached a record 9.7% in 2024-2025, the highest in state history and the third-highest nationally, driven by growing vaccine hesitancy linked to pandemic misinformation. flag The rise correlates with a surge in whooping cough cases—1,475 by December 2025, surpassing the prior record—and 87 infant cases, including one death. flag Exemptions vary widely by county, with rural areas showing higher opt-out rates. flag Only 86.3% of kindergartners were fully vaccinated, below the 95% herd immunity threshold. flag Despite requiring education sessions for nonmedical exemptions, the trend continues, prompting public health efforts to boost vaccination access and awareness.

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