The Number of Unvaccinated Kids Has Drastically Increased Since 2001, Report Says

The number of children who have not received vaccines for preventable diseases has quadrupled since 2001, according to a new report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There are currently about 100,000 children without vaccines. The National Immunization Survey-Child, which the CDC used for its report, found children were least likely to get vaccines for hepatitis A and rotavirus.

The report found the amount of kids without vaccines by the age of 2 years old had increased from 0.9 percent for children born in 2011, to 1.3 percent for children born in 2015. Back in 2001, only 0.3 percent of kids were unvaccinated by age 2.

The CDC says there may be a number of different reasons why we are seeing this spike. While some parents choose not to vaccinate their kids, others may not have access to a health care provider or may not be knowledgeable on recommended vaccines.

The survey found 7.1 percent of uninsured kids received no vaccinations, compared to just 0.8 percent of those with coverage. Among the unvaccinated children surveyed, 17.2 percent were uninsured.

Vaccinating baby is a hot-button topic these days. No matter what side of the argument you land on, it all comes down to a parent’s fear over baby’s safety. But before you go into panic mode after reading what some online anti-vaccine groups have to say, see where the experts weigh in on the issue to help banish your vaccine fears.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.