New York City’s Health Department is telling yeshivas to ban unvaccinated children because of the measles outbreak.
Health officials warn that yeshivas that violate the order could face fines or could be closed down.
“As a pediatrician, I know the MMR vaccine is safe and effective. This outbreak is being fueled by a small group of anti-vaxxers in these neighborhoods. They have been spreading dangerous misinformation based on fake science,” Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot said.
There have been 285 cases since the measles outbreak began in October. Most of the cases have been reported in the Williamsburg and Borough Park sections of Brooklyn.
“We stand with the majority of people in this community who have worked hard to protect their children and those at risk. We’ve seen a large increase in the number of people vaccinated in these neighborhoods, but as Passover approaches, we need to do all we can to ensure more people get the vaccine,” Barbot said.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that can cause pneumonia, swelling of the brain and could even lead to death. The health department said measles is easily preventable with the vaccine.
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