What's Happening?
In New Jersey, vaccination rates among children are declining as religious exemptions rise, posing a threat to herd immunity against vaccine-preventable diseases like measles. According to the state Department of Health, 24,962 children skipped vaccines
for religious reasons during the 2024-25 school year, marking a nearly 25% increase from the previous year. This trend is concerning as New Jersey's religious exemption rate among kindergartners is 4.6%, higher than the U.S. median of 4%. The state reported 11 measles cases in 2025, up from seven the previous year, indicating a resurgence of the disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that more than 95% of a community needs to be vaccinated to maintain herd immunity, a threshold New Jersey has fallen below.
Why It's Important?
The increase in vaccine exemptions in New Jersey could lead to more outbreaks of diseases like measles, which are highly preventable through vaccination. The decline in vaccination rates undermines public health efforts to maintain herd immunity, putting unvaccinated individuals, especially children, at greater risk. This trend reflects a broader national issue where misinformation and rising non-medical exemptions contribute to the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases. The potential public health impact is significant, as outbreaks can lead to increased healthcare costs, strain on medical resources, and preventable illnesses and deaths.
What's Next?
If the trend of rising vaccine exemptions continues, New Jersey may face more frequent and severe outbreaks of measles and other preventable diseases. Public health officials may need to implement stricter policies to curb non-medical exemptions and increase vaccination rates. Educational campaigns to counter misinformation about vaccines could also be crucial in reversing this trend. Additionally, monitoring and addressing the reasons behind the rise in exemptions, such as accessibility issues or misinformation, will be essential to protect public health.
