Measles Vaccination Rates Climb Back to 95% in Chicago Schools

Recent data from Chicago Public Schools (CPS) indicates a significant improvement in measles vaccination rates among students, with coverage rising by approximately 3%. This increase brings the percentage of vaccinated students back to the crucial 95% threshold deemed necessary for herd immunity against outbreaks.

Vaccination rates had been on a downward trend for several years, raising concerns among health officials. Dr. Payal Adhikari from Northwestern Children’s Practice emphasized the importance of vaccinations, stating, “It’s really important for us to vaccinate our kids against measles to prevent the disease and lifelong illness.” The 95% vaccination rate is critical for community immunity, and Dr. Adhikari noted the significance of returning to this benchmark, particularly given the previous decline.

Over two decades ago, measles was declared eradicated in the United States. However, declining vaccination rates have contributed to outbreaks across the country, leading to a resurgence of the disease. In 2024, CPS reported a concerning drop in vaccination rates, prompting health leaders to publicly express their worries.

Dr. Brian Borah, the medical director for vaccine-preventable diseases at the Chicago Department of Public Health, acknowledged the positive trend but cautioned that efforts to improve vaccination rates must continue. “I’m really thankful and glad the numbers are improving, but of course that doesn’t mean our work has stopped,” he stated.

As these new figures emerge, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is convening discussions about childhood vaccination schedules and recommendations. The issue has gained further attention due to public skepticism surrounding the measles vaccine, particularly from figures such as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr..

Despite the challenges, health officials in Chicago remain committed to their message: vaccines are safe, effective, and vital for community health. “We’re a city that protects each other. We believe in science,” Dr. Borah reiterated. Dr. Adhikari added, “The science has proven over and over again they’re safe and they’re effective.”

In response to the declining vaccination rates, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has launched several initiatives aimed at bolstering coverage for measles and other vaccines. In the spring of 2025, as cases began to rise, IDPH introduced a mobile vaccination service and created public-facing resources, including dashboards for school-level vaccine coverage and outbreak predictions.

The IDPH is currently focused on enhancing communication and access to vaccines in collaboration with various partners, including the Governor’s Office and local health departments. Through these efforts, officials hope to ensure that vaccination rates remain robust and community health is safeguarded.

As the situation evolves, the latest data on measles vaccination rates can be accessed through the Chicago Department of Public Health, providing transparency and ongoing updates to the public.