NEW MEXICO SEES A LARGE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS GETTING VACCINATION EXEMPTIONS FOR THEIR CHILDREN. THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAYS THE NUMBER WENT UP FROM JUST UNDER 11-HUNDRED AND FIFTY IN 1999 TO 3-THOUSAND, 372 IN 2011. THAT'S AN INCREASE OF 194 PERCENT. THE NUMBER ONE REASON FOR SEEKING THE EXEMPTION WAS FOR "PHILOSOPHICAL" OR " PERSONAL BELIEFS". THOSE ARE NOT ALLOWED UNDER THE LAW. IN NEW MEXICO, THE EXEMPTIONS CAN ONLY BE GRANTED FOR MEDICAL OR RELIGIOUS REASONS.
