Connecticut has the highest measles vaccination rates in the country, according to new data from the CDC . The state’s vaccine rates for DTaP, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), and varicella are also higher than the national average.

Ninety-eight percent of Connecticut kindergartners received their measles shots last year. Nationally, that number was 92%.

The measles vaccine is required for nearly all schools in the country, but exemptions for medical, religious, and other reasons are available. Non-medical exemptions decreased in Connecticut schools last year, but rose nationally.

State health officials say vaccines protect children — and high immunization rates lead to herd immunity, which protects kids who can’t get the shot.

Connecticut is one of only 10 states to achiev

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