US kindergarten vaccine rates fell again in 2025-26, with exemptions hitting a record high, signaling rising vaccine hesitancy that threatens herd immunity and pressures pediatric vaccine makers such as Merck, GSK, and Sanofi.
Merck manufactures MMR (M-M-R II) and varicella (Varivax) vaccines required for US kindergarten entry. A decline in kindergarten vaccination rates and record exemptions directly reduces demand for these products, pressuring Merck's pediatric vaccine revenue.
Merck's MMR and varicella vaccines are core pediatric products. Lower coverage reduces demand for these vaccines, cutting into Merck's vaccine sales.
An outbreak could trigger catch-up immunization campaigns, but the current trend of rising exemptions points to a sustained decline in routine vaccine uptake.
GlaxoSmithKline's pediatric vaccine portfolio includes DTaP (Infanrix) and hepatitis vaccines used in US kindergarten immunization schedules. Declining coverage and record exemptions reduce demand for these vaccines.
GSK's DTaP (Infanrix) and hepatitis vaccines are part of routine US childhood immunization, so reduced coverage directly lowers demand.
GSK's vaccine division is a key growth driver, but US kindergarten vaccines represent only a portion; the impact may be moderate.
Sanofi produces DTaP (Daptacel) and polio (IPOL) vaccines used in US kindergarten vaccination schedules. Lower vaccination rates and record exemptions mean fewer doses administered, reducing Sanofi's pediatric vaccine sales.
Sanofi's Daptacel (DTaP) and IPOL (polio) vaccines are part of the US routine childhood immunization schedule, so lower coverage reduces demand.
It is a niche segment within Sanofi's broader vaccines business, but the trend could signal broader vaccine hesitancy affecting other products.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that US kindergarten vaccination rates declined for the 2025-26 school year, while exemption rates climbed to an all-time high. The data reflect persistent vaccine hesitancy and eroding herd immunity, raising the risk of measles and pertussis outbreaks. For vaccine manufacturers such as Merck, GSK, and Sanofi, the trend signals weaker demand for routine childhood immunizations, pressuring pediatric vaccine sales.
The article reports that vaccination rates fell again for the 2025-26 school year, while exemption rates reached an all-time high.
Lower coverage undermines herd immunity and increases the risk of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and pertussis.
The article cites record high exemptions, likely driven by vaccine hesitancy, but does not provide specific reasons beyond the data.