California’s senate education committee approved a bill making it mandatory for children to be vaccinated before starting school, despite the states previous ‘beliefs’ exemption which in recent years has been used by parents who fear a link between vaccines and autism, or worry about other health effects associated with children receiving shots. Under the bill, only children with medical waivers to opt out of vaccinations would be exempted.
According to PE Sen. Richard Pan, a Democrat and pediatrician from Sacramento, made changes to the bill after lawmakers delayed a vote last week after some on the Education Committee worried it would deprive unvaccinated children of an adequate education. Sen Pens changes let families that opt out of vaccines to home-school their children together, and to allow students to seek independent study. Pan said of Wednesday’s vote “It’s a strong sign that people want to be sure that we protect our kids.”
It’s a strong sign that people want to be sure that we protect our kids, protect our schools and protect our communities from these preventable diseases.
The bill heads to the Senate Judiciary Committee for a hearing next week as part of a long legislative process, in hopes of becoming a law. Jean Keese, a spokeswoman for the California Coalition for Health Choice said “We will continue to show our strength.”
We will continue to show our strength, and we will continue to educate lawmakers and the public about why this is a bad bill.
According to the NY Times The bill has been endorsed by many health groups, including the California Medical Association and the California district of the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is also endorsed by the California State PTA and the California School Boards Association.
in other vaccine related news, a new Ebola vaccine has proven an effective cure for monkeys infected with the deadly virus.
Do you think the government should mandate to parents how to treat their children?
