South Dakota MMR Vaccination Rates Remain Below Target

State kindergarten vaccination levels have fallen as measles cases persist across the region.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Allergies

South Dakota MMR Vaccination Rates Remain Below Target

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During the 2025-26 school year, South Dakota kindergarteners reached an 89% MMR vaccination rate. This figure marks a 6.7 percentage point decline since the 2019-20 school year.

Why it matters

Low vaccination coverage leaves communities vulnerable to outbreaks, as evidenced by the 11 measles cases recorded in the state during 2026. Improving these rates is essential to meeting national public health goals set for the end of the decade.

South Dakota is one of 18 states with kindergarten MMR vaccination rates below 90%. In 2026, the state reported 11 measles cases, with 10 involving individuals unvaccinated against the disease.

The details

Kindergarteners require two doses of the MMR vaccine to be considered fully protected. Recent data shows that 6.9% of South Dakota kindergarteners claimed a vaccine exemption during the 2025-26 school year, contributing to the shift in coverage.

2019-20 school year served as the baseline for vaccination rate comparisons.
16 measles cases were reported in South Dakota during 2025.
South Dakota reported an 89% MMR vaccination rate for the 2025-26 school year.
11 measles cases occurred in South Dakota throughout 2026.
The United States aims to reach a 95% vaccination target by 2030.

Health Landscape

The state's current 89% coverage rate falls short of the Healthy People 2030 target of 95%. This gap reflects a broader challenge in maintaining community-level immunity against preventable diseases.

Parents and guardians should verify their childs vaccination status to ensure they have received the two required doses for school entry. Staying updated on immunizations remains the primary method to prevent measles and other vaccine-preventable illnesses.

The takeaway

Achieving higher vaccination coverage is critical to reducing the incidence of measles and protecting vulnerable populations. Residents are encouraged to consult healthcare providers to discuss the importance of meeting standard immunization schedules.