1. United States
2. Minn.
3. Letter

As a parent of a young child in Nowthen, I am writing to express my strong support for House File 3239, which proposes to remove the conscientious belief exemption for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine requirement in Minnesota schools and childcare settings. The MMR vaccine is one of the most thoroughly studied and effective vaccines available, with decades of data demonstrating its safety and its critical role in preventing dangerous outbreaks of disease. Allowing non-medical exemptions compromises not only the health of unvaccinated children but also the well-being of vulnerable community members—infants, immunocompromised individuals, and those for whom the vaccine may not be effective or medically appropriate. The rise in vaccine hesitancy is not grounded in science. It is fueled by misinformation and fear-mongering that has unfortunately gained traction in public discourse. Parents who choose not to vaccinate their children based on these unfounded beliefs are endangering their own children and contributing to the erosion of herd immunity that protects us all. This bill is a necessary and timely measure to ensure that our schools and childcare facilities remain safe spaces where preventable diseases do not resurface due to unsubstantiated personal beliefs. Medical exemptions will remain intact for those who genuinely cannot receive the vaccine, and the rest of us must do our part to uphold public health. I urge you to pass HF3239 and affirm that science, not misinformation, should guide our public health policy.