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NJ Childhood Vaccination Rates Falling, Raising Outbreak Concerns

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. ion-rates-falling-raising-outbreak-concerns.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Sunday, February 1st 2026 at 18:44 GMT by Patch
      Locales: New Jersey, UNITED STATES

Trenton, NJ - February 1st, 2026 - A concerning trend is emerging across New Jersey: childhood vaccination rates are falling, putting communities at increased risk of outbreaks of preventable diseases. New data released by the New Jersey Department of Health reveals that the state is falling short of the crucial 95% vaccination threshold recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for kindergarteners. This benchmark is considered vital for maintaining herd immunity and protecting vulnerable populations who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants or individuals with compromised immune systems.

The data, recently compiled and analyzed, highlights significant county-by-county variations in vaccination coverage. While some counties, like Somerset (98.2%) and Hunterdon (97.8%), demonstrate robust vaccination rates, others are lagging considerably. Atlantic County currently reports only 86.8% MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccination coverage, followed closely by Salem County at 86.3%. Camden and Gloucester Counties also show relatively low rates at 89.2% and 89.1% respectively. (See table below for a complete breakdown).

Understanding the Decline: Multiple Factors at Play

The reasons behind this decline are multifaceted. Experts point to a confluence of factors, including increased vaccine hesitancy fueled by misinformation circulating online, accessibility challenges related to healthcare access, and potentially disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have diverted resources and attention from routine childhood immunizations.

"We've seen a worrying rise in the spread of false narratives about vaccine safety," explains Dr. Emily Carter, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at University Hospital. "These narratives, often amplified through social media, sow doubt and fear among parents, leading them to delay or forgo vaccination."

Accessibility is also a crucial issue. Families in underserved communities may face barriers such as lack of transportation, limited insurance coverage, or difficulty taking time off work to attend appointments. These barriers disproportionately affect minority and low-income populations, exacerbating health inequities.

The Risks of Lower Vaccination Rates

The consequences of declining vaccination rates are significant. Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000. However, recent outbreaks have demonstrated how quickly the virus can re-emerge when vaccination coverage drops. Measles can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death.

Mumps and rubella, while generally milder, can also cause complications. Rubella is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, as it can lead to severe birth defects.

"Vaccines are not just about protecting individual children; they're about protecting the entire community," stresses New Jersey Health Commissioner Judith Persifer. "When vaccination rates fall, we risk seeing a resurgence of these preventable diseases, putting our children and vulnerable populations at serious risk."

What is Being Done? The New Jersey Department of Health is actively working to address this issue through public awareness campaigns, increased outreach to healthcare providers, and initiatives to improve vaccine access. They are also collaborating with community organizations and faith leaders to build trust and address vaccine hesitancy. Efforts are also underway to streamline the vaccination record-keeping process and ensure accurate data collection.

Parents are strongly urged to discuss any concerns they have about vaccinations with their child's healthcare provider. Reliable information can also be found on the CDC website ([ https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/index.html ]) and the New Jersey Department of Health website ([ https://www.nj.gov/health/ ]). The health of our communities depends on a collective commitment to vaccination.