New Jersey's Vaccine Exemption Surge: What's Happening and Why It Matters

Religious exemptions are growing rapidly, putting public health at risk.

A Significant Increase

• 2024-25 School Year: Nearly 25,000 kids skipped vaccines due to religious beliefs.
• Decade Comparison: A substantial jump from just ten years ago.

Why the Surge?

• Not Due to Religion: The increase isn't about sudden religious fervor.
• Avoidance Tactics: More people are finding ways to avoid vaccines for non-medical reasons.

Public Health Concerns

• Disease Outbreaks: The trend could lead to more outbreaks of controlled diseases.
• Measles Resurgence: In 2025, the U.S. saw the most measles cases in over 30 years.
• Unvaccinated Majority: Most cases were in unvaccinated individuals.

New Jersey at Risk

• Lost Herd Immunity: The state no longer has community-wide protection against measles.
• Vaccination Rates: Only 92.8% of kindergarteners received the MMR vaccine last year.
• Exemption Loopholes: Parents can obtain religious exemptions with minimal proof.

The Bigger Picture

• Vaccine Efficacy: Vaccines work best when nearly everyone is vaccinated.
• Community Vulnerability: Rising exemption rates make the whole community more vulnerable.
• Public Health Impact: It's not just personal choice; it's about safeguarding public health.

Conclusion

The trend in New Jersey is alarming and needs immediate attention.