Dear Residents,

As we enter the spring and summer travel season, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) and Northwest Bergen Regional Health Commission would like to remind residents to be sure they are current on all recommended vaccines. Effective and safe vaccines against several infectious diseases have long been available worldwide; however, vaccine-preventable diseases have risen in recent years.

Measles outbreaks are of particular concern in every region of the world. Several countries worldwide are experiencing large measles outbreaks, and other places, such as England and Europe, are seeing an increase in measles cases. Measles cases in the United States often originate from unvaccinated or under-vaccinated U.S. residents who travel internationally and then transmit the disease to people in the U.S. who are not vaccinated against measles.

From January 1 to March 14, 2024, 17 U.S. jurisdictions reported 58 measles cases: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey (1 confirmed case in 2024), New York City, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington. Of these 58 cases, 54 (93%) were linked to international travel.

Throughout the year, people may travel to resorts and hotels, take cruises for the holiday, and encounter international travelers. In addition, many other social events and large gatherings may occur in the next several months, such as graduations and weddings, allowing measles and other infectious diseases to spread.

We all need to do our part to protect the health and well-being of our communities by ensuring that every individual is up to date with their immunizations. Please contact your healthcare provider if you have questions about your vaccine status.

The 2024 Immunization Schedules are now available and effective immediately on the CDC website.

For more information on Measles, please visit Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccination | CDC

Take care and be well,

NWBRHC Staff