In 2023 and 2024, measles outbreaks occurred in multiple states, primarily affecting children in areas with low measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination coverage. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned that local immunity gaps are driving these outbreaks and other vaccine-preventable diseases, particularly where school-entry vaccination rates fall below the 95 percent threshold needed for herd immunity. Here’s a look at the local numbers and beyond. 

92.5

The U.S. percentage of kindergartners enrolling in school for 2025-26 who had had received two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

88.7

The percentage of Florida kindergarteners (public and private schools combined) in 2023-24 who were fully immunized with all required vaccines.

79.9

The percentage of Sarasota County kindergarten immunization compliance in 2024-25. The number is the lowest in the region in more than a decade.

5.1

Percentage of kindergartners in Florida who had an exemption for at least one required vaccine.

75

Percentage of other Florida counties that have higher rates of immunization than Sarasota.

10 to 15

Percentage range of Sarasota County children, ages 5-17, with a religious exemption to forgo vaccinations.

6.39

Percentage of religious exemptions in Florida children, ages 5-17.

Less than 1

Percentage of exemptions in Sarasota County and in Florida that are medical exemptions, which are limited to specific health conditions.

Data sources: CDC MMWR: “Kindergarten Vaccination Coverage”; CDC SchoolVaxView; Florida DOH via Florida Health Charts; Florida DOH Vaccine Exemption Map; The American Academy of Pediatrics; county-level Florida DOH immunization compliance tables