California Lawmakers Announce Bill Tightening Vaccination Rules February 4, 2015 News AB 2109, Richard Pan, vaccination 0 Today, State Sens. Richard Pan (D-Sacramento) and Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) introduced legislation that aims to increase the number of vaccinated children in California. The proposed legislation will abolish an exemption from the mandate that children get vaccinated before they enter school if it conflicts with their parents' personal beliefs. Currently, California law requires children entering kindergarten to obtain vaccinations for several diseases. However, parents can obtain exemptions to those requirements if immunizations are against their personal beliefs by providing documentation proving that health care practitioners have informed them about vaccines and diseases before they can opt out of vaccinating their children. Parents also can obtain medical or temporary exemptions. In 2014, more than 15,000 exemptions were granted in California. SFMS applauds Senators Pan, Allen, Wolk, Jackson and Assemblymember Gonzalez for their efforts for a healthier California. SFMS has previously endorsed AB 2109, which became law in 2012. AB 2109 requires a parent or guardian seeking a personal belief exemption from school immunization to first obtain a document signed by a licensed health care practitioner. Comments are closed.
