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New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D-) said Monday she is declaring a state of emergency following a surprising increase in measles cases across the state. sign a decree She said the goal is to help New York respond more quickly to the outbreak.

“No one should get seriously ill or die from a vaccine-preventable disease,” Hochul said. in a statement. “That’s why I’ve taken action to increase the number of healthcare professionals who can vaccinate and test. These emergency measures will protect New Yorkers and support our community partners as they work tirelessly to combat the spread of this disease.”

The order suspends certain regulations to allow paramedics and advanced emergency service providers to administer measles, mumps and rubella vaccines. The state also updates a measles dashboard intended to help the public and health officials track local health risks.

At least 108 cases of measles have been reported this year among New York state residents as of Saturday, according to the order, including seven in New York City. The state also cites the rapidly spreading measles outbreak in neighboring Pennsylvania, which resulted in 977 cases and five deaths as of Friday.

The MMR vaccine is extremely safe and effective in preventing measles infection after two doses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., however, has used his platform several times to alarmist about vaccine safety and efficiency.