Even before the pandemic, the drive to exempt children from vaccinations on religious grounds was growing. Boston University reports that although the United States thought it had eliminated measles in the year 2000, more than 981 cases were confirmed in 26 states in 2019. A majority of states allow a religious exemption for schoolchildren immunization requirements. 

The FFRF Action Fund’s position is that religious and philosophical objections to vaccines should not be allowed. The science should be followed so herd immunity protects children or adults who for genuine health reasons cannot be vaccinated.