Measles risk: A Sun-Times analysis found less than half of Chicago Public Schools are at a 95% measles vaccination rate, which is the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s benchmark for herd immunity. [Chicago Sun-Times]

Cases reported: At least six measles cases in Illinois have been confirmed amid worsening outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico. More than 900 cases have been reported across 30 states.

Sharp drop: Before the COVID-19 pandemic, 97% of CPS students overall were vaccinated against measles, one of eight vaccinations required by the state. As of the 2024-25 school year, that percentage has fallen to 93%, according to state data.

Troublesome trends: About 45% of CPS' 644 elementary schools, high schools and charter schools have vaccination rates at or above 95% this year. That’s down from the rate in 2019, the year before the pandemic, when 90% of schools were at herd immunity.

Key context: The CDC says a vaccination rate of 95% provides communitywide immunity and protects vulnerable students, like younger children who have yet to complete the required series of shots or kids with weakened immune systems.

###