Two statistics are on the rise in California:
- The number of California kindergarteners who have not been vaccinated against childhood illnesses has increased by 16% over the past year, according to data from the state Department of Public Health.
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Communicable diseases including measles and whooping cough are increasing in California. So far, 56 cases of measles — the largest outbreak since 2000 — have been reported this year. Last year, 2,300 cases of pertussis — also known as whooping cough — were reported in California.
Under a new state law that took effect Jan. 1 this year, parents are required to consult with a health care provider — physician, school nurse or naturopath — before they decide their child should forego one or more of the standard vaccinations most children receive before starting school.
Before the new law — AB 2109 by Richard Pan (D-Sacramento) — parents could opt out with a signature on the child’s immunization card.
It’s too early to tell how the new law might affect the two trends above, but some health advocates say the new regulations don’t go far enough. Some suggest children should not be allowed to attend school without vaccinations.
We asked legislators, stakeholders and experts how California lawmakers and policy makers should respond.
We got responses from: