When Parents Opt Out Of Vaccinations, All Kids Are In Danger

By Minda Dentler In January, my daughter celebrated her second birthday. She ran around our apartment with cake on her face and a joyful grin. Pushing around in my wheelchair, I could not catch her, and it hit me again that I cannot run. I cannot even pick her up off the ground if she falls down. I can't do these things because my legs are paralyzed from contracting polio as an infant in India. My daughter did not face this risk because she was protected by the polio vaccine. Today, more than any time in history, we are able to save children's lives and prevent disabilities through the use of vaccines. Yet also today, the legitimate use of vaccines in the United States is facing new threats as more and more parents opt out of vaccination requirements, and vaccine opponents promote state laws that make it easier to do so. If this trend continues, we may soon see the re-emergence of epidemics of deadly and disabling diseases, such as measles and meningitis. It is critical that now we - parents, health professionals, and lawmakers - stand together in support of vaccination programs. States determine immunization requirements, and all but three states (California, Mississippi and West Virginia) accept religious or philosophical exemptions. Now, a number of state legislatures are considering laws that would further expand non-medical exemptions. A bill proposed In Idaho would allow parents to opt out of vaccinating their children with a simple letter rather than having to fill out...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news