Statement from DPH Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision regarding a case challenging Connecticut school vaccine requirements

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) commends the United States Supreme Court for declining to hear a case challenging Connecticut Public Act No. 21-6, which eliminated the religious exemption to school vaccine requirements.

DPH is grateful to the Connecticut General Assembly for recognizing the importance of all vaccines and passing Public Act No. 21-6, which help make schools safer and reduces the risks associated with these vaccine preventable diseases.

High vaccination rates protect not only vaccinated children but also those who cannot or have not been vaccinated resulting in herd immunity. Schools that achieve herd immunity reduce the risk of outbreaks. High vaccination rates at schools are especially important for medically fragile children who depend on herd immunity for their health and well-being.

All U.S. states require children attending public school or state-licensed childcare facilities to receive a series of vaccinations. These vaccine requirements for school and childcare attendance are critical to ensuring high rates of vaccination.

Linking vaccination to mandatory school attendance ensures that vaccines reach the greatest number of children. Schools are prime venues for the transmission of vaccine preventable diseases, and active school-age children can further spread disease to their families and others when vaccination rates are low.

Connecticut has been a national leader in maintaining high vaccine coverage levels for our children. Removing non-medical exemptions for vaccines allows students to learn in an environment free of vaccine preventable diseases.