New York Childhood Vaccination Rates Declined Since 2023

Statewide data revealed that fewer children finished the recommended seven-vaccine series by age two.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Children’s Health

Isometric editorial illustration of an architectural health center model and protective shield icons, representing childhood vaccination completion trends. — New York health data shows that childhood vaccination completion rates by age two declined following pandemic-era disruptions, despite increases in catch-up rates by age five. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you believe children should adhere to the standard childhood vaccination schedule?

Data from 2023 shows that 6 in 10 New York children completed their recommended seven-vaccine series by age two, a figure that declined following the COVID-19 pandemic. While completion rates by age five have grown, the gap between the two age groups has widened to 17 percentage points.

Why it matters

Pandemic-era disruptions caused many families to delay routine medical care, while an erosion of public trust has increased parental uncertainty. This leaves more children vulnerable to preventable diseases as evidenced by recent outbreaks across several counties.

Completion rates for the seven-vaccine series by age two reached 32% in Rockland County and 78% in Warren County during 2023. Statewide, the age-two completion rate saw a 14% increase between 2013 and 2023, while age-five completion grew by 22%.

The players

Rockland County

This local government jurisdiction reported the lowest statewide completion rate for the childhood vaccine series at 32 percent in 2023.

Warren County

This local government jurisdiction recorded the highest statewide completion rate for the childhood vaccine series at 78 percent in 2023.

The details

School vaccination requirements help many students catch up on missed doses by age five, yet families still face significant hurdles like unstable health insurance and transportation limits. These practical barriers, combined with delayed medical visits, have hindered early childhood immunization efforts.

2013 served as the baseline for the state's vaccination completion rate study.
2019 marked the year when completion rates by age two stopped rising steadily.
July 2022 saw the state's first confirmed polio case in a Rockland County resident.
2023 served as the end of the study period for statewide vaccination rates.
Measles cases have been reported in seven New York counties since July 2026.

The Big Picture

The current downward trend in early childhood vaccination rates follows a pattern set by the 2019 measles resurgence in Rockland County that previously challenged regional public health compliance.

Parents may find that their children need extra appointments to catch up on missed immunizations to meet state school enrollment requirements. Families facing insurance or transportation barriers should contact local health departments to identify accessible clinic locations.

The takeaway

Maintaining regular pediatrician visits is the most effective way to ensure children stay on track with their state-recommended vaccination schedule. Open communication with healthcare providers can help address specific concerns and resolve barriers to accessing routine care.