Historical mass vaccination programs in the United States In the United States mass vaccination programs carried out against diphtheria, polio, and measles have almost eradicated these diseases from the population. The graphs indicate the years the vaccines were introduced. Data source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, Historical Statistics of the United States: Colonial Times to 1970 (CD-ROM ed., 1997). (more) Can You Opt Out of School Vaccines? Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/science/Can-You-Opt-Out-of-School-Vaccines Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by Kara Rogers Kara Rogers is the senior editor of biomedical sciences at Encyclopædia Britannica, where she oversees a range of content from medicine and genetics to microorganisms. She joined Britannica in 2006 and... Kara Rogers Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Sep 9, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot In the United States all 50 states require certain vaccinations for public and private school entry, but exemptions are allowed for medical reasons in every state and for religious or personal beliefs in many states, though the rules vary. California, Connecticut, Maine, New York, and West Virginia, for example, do not allow nonmedical exemptions (based on religious or personal belief) to school vaccination requirements. Medical exemptions are granted in certain instances. For example, some people may experience a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to vaccine components, such as gelatin or egg protein, making vaccination potentially life-threatening. A person with a weakened ...(100 of 246 words)

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