Lawmakers To Mull Stronger Student Vaccine Regulations
California Assembly member Nathan Fletcher (R-San Diego) said he will consider proposing legislation next year to address the public health risks of allowing students who have not been vaccinated against pertussis, or whooping cough, on school campuses. A new state law requires all students entering grades seven through 12 to produce proof of immunization or a personal belief exemption within 30 days of the start of the school year. However, lawmakers say that some schools have been defying the mandate by letting students who cannot show proof of immunization remain on campuses. Assembly member Dan Logue (R-Chico), vice chair of the Assembly health committee, said that allowing unvaccinated students to attend school can put other students at risk.
- "Tougher Laws Considered for Unvaccinated Students" (Kumar, AP/San Diego Union-Tribune, 9/19).