Should states require children to be vaccinated?
Bill Summary
This bill would make it so states must require vaccinations for children in elementary and secondary school in order to receive preventative health service grants. Students would be exempt from this requirement only with written certification by a licensed physician that a given vaccine would endanger the student. Sponsor: Rep. Frederica Wilson (Democrat, Florida, District 24)
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Opponents say
• “As we contemplate forcing parents to choose this or that vaccine, I think it's important to remember that force is not consistent with the American story, nor is force consistent with the liberty our forefathers sought when they came to America... I'm not here to say don't vaccinate your kids. If this hearing is for persuasion, I'm all for the persuasion -- I've vaccinated myself, I've vaccinated my kids. For myself and my children, I believe that the benefits of vaccines greatly outweigh the risks, but I still do not favor giving up on liberty for a false sense of security.” - Sen. Rand Paul (Republican, Kentucky)
• I like doctor-patient relationships. Bureaucratic relationships are more challenging for me... I’m a parent. I don’t want someone that the governor appointed to make a decision for my family.” - Gov. Gavin Newsom (Democrat, California)
• I like doctor-patient relationships. Bureaucratic relationships are more challenging for me... I’m a parent. I don’t want someone that the governor appointed to make a decision for my family.” - Gov. Gavin Newsom (Democrat, California)
Proponents say
• “The health and safety of children must be our top priority. Vaccines play an important role in keeping all children safe, especially those with compromised immune systems who rely on herd immunity to safeguard against potentially deadly viruses” - Rep. Frederica Wilson (Democrat, Florida, District 24)
• The requirement is just that you cannot enter school unless you're vaccinated… Now, if you're such a believer in liberty that you do not wish to be vaccinated, then there should be a consequence, and that is that you cannot infect other people." - Sen. Ben Cassidy (Republican, Louisiana)
• The requirement is just that you cannot enter school unless you're vaccinated… Now, if you're such a believer in liberty that you do not wish to be vaccinated, then there should be a consequence, and that is that you cannot infect other people." - Sen. Ben Cassidy (Republican, Louisiana)
- Congresswoman Wilson Introduces Legislation to Promote Student Immunization (Press Release)
- Eager to Limit Exemptions to Vaccination, States Face Staunch Resistance (New York Times)
- Republicans Reject Democratic Attempts to Tighten Vaccine Laws (Politico)
- Even with Measles Outbreaks Across the U.S., at Least 20 States have Proposed Anti-Vaccination Bills (CNN)
