DTaP Vaccination Rates Plummet as Whooping Cough Cases Climb

A new investigation by NBC News and Stanford University reveals that DTaP vaccination rates are plummeting across the U.S., with more than 75% of counties in reporting states showing a decline since 2019. Currently, nearly 70% of jurisdictions have fallen below the 95% target rate recommended for community protection. This drop comes at a critical time, as several states are now reporting significant increases in whooping cough cases.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasizes that children should receive four doses of the DTaP vaccine—which protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis—before entering kindergarten. However, the data from 31 states shows a worrying trend of missed milestones, leaving many communities vulnerable to outbreaks of these preventable diseases.