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    From 1855 to 2021History of vaccine requirements and vaccine research highlights

    Learn about the history of major vaccine requirements in the U.S. and highlights of vaccine research at Mayo Clinic.

    1855

    Massachusetts is the first state to require that children have a smallpox vaccine before going to school to prevent the spread of smallpox in schools.

    1900s

    Many U.S. states require children to have vaccines, such as the smallpox vaccine, before going to school for the first time (before kindergarten).

    1963

    Twenty U.S. states require (mandate) children to have several vaccines before going to school for the first time.

    1977

    The U.S. begins a childhood vaccination initiative to increase the number of vaccinated children in the country to 90% within two years. By 1980, vaccination levels rise among U.S. children going to school for the first time. Vaccination levels go up to 96% for measles, rubella and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP), 96% for polio, and 92% for mumps.

    1980

    In the U.S., all states have vaccine-related laws that pertain to children before they go to school. Some states require certain vaccines. Other states allow county public health boards to decide which vaccines are required.

    1998

    By 1998-1999, all but four U.S. states have vaccine requirements (mandates) for students entering kindergarten through 12th grade. Thirty states have vaccine requirements for students going to college for the first time. Many states allow religious or philosophical exceptions (exemptions) from vaccine requirements.

    2020

    A U.S. national initiative called Healthy People 2020 makes goals regarding vaccination and infectious disease control, among other goals. This has been updated to Healthy People 2030. Vaccines are part of the goal because in some areas of the U.S., not all children get recommended vaccines. This can increase the risk of infectious disease outbreaks.

    2021

    Mayo Clinic researchers continue to study many aspects of vaccines. Research areas include how genes respond to vaccines; how the body responds to vaccines; how people determine whether to get vaccinated; development of personalized vaccines based on increased understanding of immune responses of genes and the immune system; and new vaccine development. Mayo researchers have participated in research and trials in vaccines for HPV, smallpox and anthrax. Mayo researchers also continue to study vaccines for measles, influenza, Zika virus infection and COVID-19.

    Learn more

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