How a well-timed legal assault unraveled Mississippi’s stellar record in vaccinating kids

Mississippi, known for its strict vaccination mandates, has recently allowed religious exemptions following a legal challenge by anti-vaccine groups. This policy change, diverging from the state's historically high vaccination rates, raises concerns about increased vaccine-preventable diseases.

The shift in policy resulted from a lawsuit by a local anti-vaccine group, supported by a national organization. The successful legal action has led to a surge in families seeking religious exemptions, posing a challenge to Mississippi's public health system.

This new exemption policy could significantly impact public health in Mississippi, particularly among vulnerable populations. Lower vaccination rates may lead to outbreaks of preventable diseases, reversing the state's progress in disease control and straining limited healthcare resources.