Chicago Public Schools has surpassed the recommended threshold for measles vaccinations, with about 96% of its student population now immunized, according to a Tribune analysis of newly released data.

Last school year, coverage stood at roughly 94% — below the 95% benchmark that is widely accepted in public health circles, specifically for highly contagious diseases such as measles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which previously recommended the same percentage coverage area, has made its page unavailable.

Brian Borah, medical director for vaccine-preventable diseases at the Chicago Department of Public Health, credits this year’s 2% increase to the district’s ongoing efforts. Specifically, the district and the department have worked together to host vaccination events at schools, outreach programs and collaborate on data collection and surveillance.

“I think this speaks to the great work that our two organizations have done,” Borah said. “But, also speaks to Chicago as a city. We’re a city in which neighbors look out for neighbors, and I think that’s reflected in our vaccine coverage as well.”

The district’s progress comes in light of national concern regarding the disease. As of December 2025, the United States has recorded more than 1,800 measles cases — the highest in three decades. Illinois, by contrast, has reported just 14. Other than the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, required immunizations for schoolchildren in Illinois include polio, hepatitis B, pneumococcal conjugate, meningococcal conjugate, varicella (for chickenpox), tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (known as Tdap for children over 7), and hib.

Measles vaccinations have also faced scrutiny from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., secretary of Health and Human Services, who has sent mixed messages about the vaccine.

With national vaccination guidelines shifting, Scott Goldstein, a pediatrician at Northwestern Children’s Practice, said in order for CPS to maintain its progress, it should lean on state and local policies regarding vaccines.

“We’re going to have to rely less on federal guidelines for vaccines and more on state and local guidelines,” Goldstein said. “So, it’s nice to see an actual success story with CPS measles (vaccination) rate going up.”

While reaching the recommended threshold is a milestone, Borah said the department and the district’s work is far from over.

“We are both committed to maintaining good coverage and improving it,” Borah said. “Our work doesn’t stop just because we reached a certain number.”

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/05/chicago-public-schools-measles-vaccines/