TRENTON, N.J. — Citing a surge in measles cases across the United States and falling childhood immunization rates, the New Jersey Senate has introduced Resolution No. 127, urging residents to stay up-to-date on vaccinations to protect public health.
The measure, sponsored by Sen. Joseph F. Vitale (D-Middlesex), was introduced on Monday in response to growing concerns over the reemergence of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Key Points
- NJ Senate introduces resolution urging vaccinations amid measles resurgence
- 222 measles cases reported nationwide in early 2025, surpassing 2024 totals
- NJ first-grade immunization compliance down 7.5% over the past decade
Measles makes a comeback in the U.S.
Measles, once declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, has seen a dramatic resurgence. From January 1 to March 6 of this year, 222 cases were reported nationally—nearly matching the entire count for 2024.
In New Jersey, three cases have been confirmed in 2025, compared to seven in all of last year.
Public health officials attribute the resurgence to a decline in vaccination rates, particularly among children.
Opponents cite the number of unvaccinated migrants living in the United States for the surge.
Nationally, only 93% of kindergarteners had received the measles vaccine in 2024, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falling short of the 95% needed for herd immunity.
In New Jersey, the drop is even more pronounced. From the 2013-2014 to the 2023-2024 school year, the percentage of first-graders meeting full immunization requirements declined by 7.5%.
Resolution aims to raise awareness
Senate Resolution No. 127 calls on residents to help protect their communities by becoming vaccinated.
It also urges the Department of Health to increase awareness of the outbreak and distribute educational materials statewide, including mailers detailing where and how to get vaccinated.
The resolution does not mandate vaccination but emphasizes its role in preventing disease spread and protecting vulnerable populations, such as infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
“An outbreak can occur, affecting our families, neighbors, loved ones, and put lives on pause or worse,” the resolution states.
Calls for state-level outreach
The measure instructs the Senate Secretary to transmit copies to the Governor, Legislature, and Health Commissioner. Supporters hope the initiative will prompt renewed public engagement with immunization programs, especially in schools, where exemption rates have also risen.
Senator Vitale, a longtime health policy advocate, framed the resolution as a preventive step amid what public health authorities are calling a critical juncture in national vaccination trends.