Vaccine exemptions rise in Oregon, but remain low in Central Oregon

This year has seen an increase in non-medical vaccine exceptions for Oregon kindergartners. However, the numbers have been different in Central Oregon. In Crook and Deschutes County, there were fewer exemptions than in 2023. And while exemptions rose in Jefferson County, they are lower than the state average. The Oregon Health Authority does not track the reason parents request exemptions, but as part of applying for an exemption, parents may voluntarily submit a reason for the request.