FREDERICTON – In a concerning health crisis

Nearly 30% of children entering kindergarten in New Brunswick last year were not fully vaccinated, raising significant concerns amid a rampant measles outbreak primarily affecting those under 19.

Recent reports reveal that only 71.8% of kindergartners who started school in the fall of 2023 received the essential nine vaccinations, which protect against serious diseases including measles and polio. This marks a decline from the previous year, where 73.9% of students were vaccinated before attending school.

Vaccination Decline and Outbreak Origins

Vaccination has been mandated under the New Brunswick Public Health Act since 1982, yet the current outbreak underscores critical lapses in coverage. Originating from a travel-related case in late October, the outbreak has escalated dramatically, with 50 confirmed cases reported primarily in the Fredericton area and the Upper Saint John River Valley. Alarmingly, the majority of these infections are concentrated in individuals aged 18 and younger.

Comparatively, this outbreak far exceeds the last measles incident in 2019, which recorded just 12 cases. Furthermore, Canada is witnessing a troubling trend, with a national total of 130 measles cases reported as of November 9 this year.

Factors Contributing to Low Vaccination Rates

Ian Culbert, executive director of the Canadian Public Health Association, points to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic as a primary factor contributing to the increase in unvaccinated students. He emphasized that challenges such as limited access to primary care physicians hinder vaccination efforts. These healthcare providers play a crucial role in tracking immunization status and facilitating targeted vaccination initiatives within affected communities.

While vaccine hesitancy contributes to low immunization rates, the province's data shows that only a minimal 0.2% of parents chose not to vaccinate their children due to personal objections. Culbert advocates for public health collaborations with schools to deploy vaccination clinics as a proactive measure to curb these alarming trends.

Urgent Public Health Measures Needed

He stressed the urgency of ensuring unvaccinated children remain at home during the ongoing outbreak, highlighting the risk they pose not just to themselves, but to their peers and the broader community. "It's crucial for both the children and everyone in their circle," he explained. The potential for spreading the virus extends beyond school walls, affecting bus riders and others with varied immune health.

As New Brunswick grapples with this health crisis, the Department of Education has yet to provide insight into their strategies for managing unvaccinated students in schools.

Stay Tuned for Updates

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story, as the implications of this outbreak could affect families and communities across the province.