INVESTIGATION

Childhood vaccine rates are backsliding across the United States

A monthslong NBC News data investigation finds that much of the U.S. currently doesn't have the protection needed to stop the spread of deadly diseases. St. Louis is a window into the problem communities face nationwide.

METHODOLOGY

How we got the story

A generation ago, infectious childhood diseases were nearly wiped out in the U.S., thanks to immunization programs. We've discovered how that remarkable success is being eroded by efforts to undermine faith in childhood vaccines.

→ See where childhood vaccination rates are the lowest

INVESTIGATION

Whooping cough cases soar as vaccination rates drop

In an NBC News data investigation of 31 states, about 70% of counties and jurisdictions fell below the target vaccination rate needed for community protection.

IN THE SCHOOLS

In West Virginia, a legal battle over school vaccine mandates reflects national tension

A showdown over vaccine exemptions between the state’s Republican governor and school board could be settled by two competing lawsuits.

BEYOND THE U.S.

Canada is likely to lose its measles elimination status. The U.S. could be next.

Neither country has been able to stop continuous spread of the highly contagious virus within the past year.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Minnesota measles cases nearly double as U.S. outbreaks continue

The country is four months away from possibly losing its measles elimination status.

Measles spreading beyond the Utah-Arizona border

Cases are now popping up in more touristy areas of Utah, according to a health official.

This tight-knit community was recovering from a cultlike leader. Then measles got in.

Years after the reign of Warren Jeffs, the Short Creek community on the Utah-Arizona border is focused on rebuilding. Missed vaccines were low on the list of priorities, until now.

Measles outbreak growing in parts of Arizona and Utah, health officials say

Measles vaccination rates have plummeted in the neighboring communities over the last 10 years.

In West Texas' measles outbreak, families forgo conventional medicine along with vaccines

As the outbreak rages, unproven remedies like cod liver oil are being distributed free by some doctors. Families are lining up for them.

In rural West Texas, a measles outbreak grows with no end in sight

At least 58 cases have been confirmed. Health officials — who are scrambling to get a handle on the vaccine-preventable outbreak — suspect 200 to 300 people may be infected.

IN THE SCHOOLS

Hundreds of U.S. students quarantined amid measles outbreaks

At least 270 unvaccinated kids are staying home from school as measles continues to spread nationwide. "Expect more," one expert said.

NIGHTLY NEWS

NBC News investigation finds steep decline in childhood vaccination rates

NBC NEWS STATIONS

The Vaccine Divide in Your Community

We shared data from our investigation with more than a dozen NBC News stations around the country.

Here are their reports on vaccination rates their areas: