© 2024 KRWG
News that Matters.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Increase In Vaccination Exemptions A Concern For New Mexico

A measles outbreak traced largely to Disneyland in Southern California has New Mexico health officials concerned.

The outbreak has spread to Arizona, Colorado and other states but hasn't hit New Mexico yet. However, state officials say they're concerned because an increasing number of families have been seeking vaccine exemptions for their children.

According to the Santa Fe New Mexican, the state Department of Health reported 3,335 registered exemptions in 2014, up 17 percent from two years earlier.

The exemptions registered with the Department of Health cover all vaccines, not specifically measles, but Health Secretary Retta Ward says the recent measles outbreak is reason to raise awareness.

New Mexico permits parents to request vaccination exemptions for their children based on medical need or religious beliefs.

Information from: Santa Fe New Mexican. 

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.