California Senators Propose End to Vaccine Exemptions

Two California Senators, Diane Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, are asking the state’s Health and Human Services department to end two vaccine exemptions — the only two the state has. Currently, a parent who would like to enroll their child in a public school, and to skirt the vaccination requirements, must either claim religious reasons, or have a conversation about vaccination with a doctor, and have the medical professional sign off on the decision. With this move, neither of these would be an option, and only children who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons would be exempt.

The measles outbreak that began at Disneyland is bringing to public attention just how fast the illness can spread, and how deadly and devastating it can be. Especially at risk are children too young to receive the immunization, and those with compromised immune systems, such as a cancer patient might have during chemotherapy.

Feinstein and Boxer aren’t the only ones speaking out, either. Also in California is the family of Rhett Krawitt. Rhett is six years old and has battled leukemia for more than four years. Thanks to the same chemotherapy that has helped him survive cancer, his immune system isn’t strong, and he cannot receive the MMR vaccine that would protect him from measles. Instead, Rhett needs to be able to rely on what is called ‘herd immunity’ — the reduced risk of being exposed to a disease, because those around him have been vaccinated against it. His family has asked his school to stop allowing children whose parents use vaccine exemptions based on religion or personal beliefs to attend the school.

The fear of measles at school isn’t exactly unfounded: one Santa Monica daycare has already closed due to a measles case that may have put over a dozen other infants — too young to receive the MMR — at risk.

Referencing the measles outbreak, Feinstein and Boxer wrote to state officials on Wednesday, urging a change to state health regulations. Barbara Boxer’s website explains:

While a small number of children cannot be vaccinated due to an underlying medical condition, we believe there should be no such thing as a philosophical or personal belief exemption, since everyone uses public spaces.

We think both options are flawed, and oppose even the notion of a medical professional assisting to waive a vaccine requirement unless there is a medical reason, such as an immune deficiency.

Across the country, the debate about vaccine exemptions is re-opening, and, while there are a few cases of lawmakers leaning in the opposite direction (Rand Paul and Chris Christie have both spoken about ‘personal choice’ in this public health matter) the overwhelming direction is in favor of vaccination, and science, over and above personal belief.

California Senators Propose End to Vaccine Exemptions