As students return to school, parents of immunocompromised children face new concerns regarding the resurgence of measles. In 2026, the United States has reported nearly 3,000 confirmed measles infections, the highest number in 35 years. The first two measles-related deaths of the year were recorded in Pennsylvania as the school year commenced. With vaccination rates declining nationwide, parents of children who cannot be vaccinated or have weakened immune systems are evaluating the safety of sending their children to school.
Victoria Schiano, national community engagement coordinator for Little Lobbyists, a nonprofit advocating for children with complex medical needs, expressed concern about the return of measles, describing it as “absolutely terrifying.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 2.6 percent of children in the U.S. are immunocompromised, which can result from genetic factors or treatments like chemotherapy.
Schiano's son, who has mitochondrial disease, cannot be vaccinated and receives weekly infusions of immunoglobulin to help combat infections. She has been monitoring vaccination rates in her son’s school district, which have fallen below the 95 percent threshold necessary for community protection against measles. In Lancaster County, for instance, only 87.6 percent of kindergartners and 83.3 percent of seventh graders are fully vaccinated against measles.
Schiano noted the dangers of measles, which can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia and brain swelling. She has limited her son's social interactions and after-school activities to ensure his safety, stating that it is challenging to balance his quality of life with health risks. She is prepared to withdraw him from school if a measles case is confirmed, acknowledging the potential for increased social isolation and mental health issues associated with remote learning.
Another parent, who requested anonymity, has opted to keep her 16-year-old son home for online schooling due to measles concerns. Her son has immunoglobulin A deficiency, making him more susceptible to infections. Although he received the measles vaccine, his antibody levels are regularly monitored. In Spartanburg County, where nearly 1,000 measles cases and 21 hospitalizations occurred earlier this year, vaccination rates have increased, yet she remains uncomfortable sending her son back to school.
Cortney, a South Carolina parent, expressed concern about the measles outbreak, particularly as her family needed to travel near the outbreak's epicenter for medical appointments. Her 17-year-old daughter, Grace, has a condition that makes her vulnerable to infections. During the pandemic, Grace was homeschooled, and her family is considering this option again for her senior year. Despite being immunocompromised, Grace does not wear a mask at school due to fears of bullying, highlighting the stigma surrounding health precautions in her community.
The ongoing measles outbreaks and the associated public health challenges continue to pose significant dilemmas for families with immunocompromised children, as they navigate safety, education, and social interactions.