Thirty per cent of New Brunswick kindergarteners not vaccinated during measles outbreak
- Vaccination proof has been mandatory for kindergarteners in New Brunswick since 1982.
- Recent Health Department figures indicate that almost 30 per cent of kindergarten students are unvaccinated.
- The ongoing measles outbreak highlights the urgent need for increased vaccination compliance.
New Brunswick, Canada is currently facing a measles outbreak, with a total of 44 confirmed cases as of November 20, 2024. This outbreak has particularly impacted the Fredericton area and parts of the Upper Saint John River Valley, where the majority of infections have been recorded. Notably, over 80 percent of these infected individuals are under the age of 19. The outbreak can be traced back to a travel-related measles case that was introduced into the province in late October. This incident highlights a concerning trend of rising measles cases throughout Canada, which has seen a total of 130 cases in 2024 as of November 9. The vaccination situation in New Brunswick is alarming. Recent statistics reveal that almost 30 percent of students entering kindergarten in public schools in the previous year were not compliant with the required vaccination mandates. Specifically, only 71.8 percent of incoming kindergarten students were fully vaccinated against diseases including measles and polio. Since 1982, proof of immunization has been a requirement for children entering kindergarten in the province, making the current vaccination rates particularly concerning amid the ongoing outbreak. The relationship between the low vaccination rates and the measles outbreak points to a significant public health challenge. Vaccination is critical in preventing outbreaks, as it creates herd immunity within communities. The failure to achieve sufficient vaccination coverage increases the risk of outbreaks, particularly for diseases that can be easily transmitted among unvaccinated individuals. In this case, the increase in measles cases places an additional burden on health resources and raises concerns about the overall health of the community. Consequently, public health officials are emphasizing the importance of vaccinations and encouraging parents to ensure their children are vaccinated according to established guidelines. The government may need to reevaluate its strategies concerning public awareness and accessible vaccination services to combat the current trend and protect the health of the youth and the broader community in New Brunswick. Recognizing that outbreaks can arise swiftly from low vaccination rates is crucial for implementing effective public health measures.