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

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

1855

A crowd of people gathered to get smallpox vaccines

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

Children in a school playground

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

Two men who are scientists hold and look at a bottle of rubella vaccine

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

1977

A mother waits with two children as another child prepares to get a vaccine from a nurse.

The U.S. begins a childhood vaccination initiative to increase the number of vaccinated children in the country to 90% within two years.

2020

1980

A child sits and waits for a vaccine from a nurse in a school classroom

In the U.S., all states have vaccine-related laws that pertain to children before they go to school. Some states require certain vaccines.

1998

A class of children listening to their teacher and sitting on the floor in a classroom

By 1998-1999, all but four U.S. states have vaccine requirements (mandates) for students entering kindergarten through 12th grade.

2020

A toddler walks over a map of the U.S.A. in a playground

A U.S. national initiative called Healthy People 2020 makes goals regarding vaccination and infectious disease control.

2021

A person holds a vial and a needle.

Mayo Clinic researchers continue to study many aspects of vaccines. Research areas include …

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