“Nationwide, about 1.7 percent of kindergarten age children have religious or philosophical exemptions to mandatory immunization,” according to a report from the AMA’s council on science and public health and its council on ethical and judicial affairs.
As of February 2015, 15 states have introduced legislation that addresses non-medical exemptions, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. California is among 19 states that have personal belief or philosophical exemptions while 48 states allow religious exemptions.
“These exemptions are used for convenience,” said James Felsen, M.D. an AMA alternate delegate and public health physician from West Virginia, one of two states that doesn’t allow either religious or personal exemptions from vaccination. “It’s a no brainer. You’re protecting the kid next to you.”
More articles about vaccination:
New intervention to combat vaccine hesitancy, found lacking
Disneyland-linked measles outbreak declared over
California vaccine requirement bill gets first public debate
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
