The New Jersey State Senate has introduced a resolution urging citizens to stay current with their vaccinations to combat the resurgence of preventable diseases, particularly measles. The resolution highlights the critical role of vaccines in achieving community immunity, which protects vulnerable populations such as the elderly, newborns, and immunocompromised individuals. It notes a concerning decline in vaccination rates among children in New Jersey, with significant drops in the percentage of kindergarteners and first-graders meeting immunization requirements over the past decade. This decline has contributed to recent outbreaks of measles, with 94% of reported cases in 2025 occurring among unvaccinated individuals.

To address this public health issue, the resolution calls on the New Jersey Department of Health to enhance awareness of the measles outbreak and the importance of vaccinations. It suggests developing and distributing informational materials to residents about vaccination resources. The resolution aims to encourage community participation in vaccination efforts to protect public health and prevent further outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.