FROM NBC NEWS: For more than a half-century, vaccines have had remarkable success eradicating the most lethal and devastating childhood infectious diseases, saving millions of lives and ushering in a relative golden era of global public health.
But now, America is dangerously backsliding.
The vast majority of counties across the United States are experiencing declining rates of childhood vaccination and have been for years, according to an NBC News data investigation, the most comprehensive analysis of vaccinations and school exemptions to date.
A six-month investigation with Stanford University examined data from state governments and public records on core childhood vaccines.
NBC News collaborated with Stanford infectious disease researchers to request documents, including those obtained under the Freedom of Information Act. They successfully integrated various data types into a standardized format, enabling them to map and compare immunization rates across thousands of counties.
A huge, monthslong data investigation from @NBCNews into childhood vaccination rates finds immunizations declining significantly. I was part of the dozens of journalists working on this story, which will be part of tonight’s @NBCNightlyNews broadcast. https://t.co/fW8YvDv75o pic.twitter.com/cMpbFcuPqJ
— Joe Murphy (@JoeMurph) September 15, 2025
An NBC News data investigation finds that much of the U.S. currently doesn’t have the protection needed to stop the spread of deadly diseases. St. Louis is a window into the problem communities face nationwide. https://t.co/KKCdNkTp2O
— NBC News Health (@NBCNewsHealth) September 15, 2025
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