The updated exemption would let parents know their children would be forced to stay home from school if an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease, like measles, were to occur. It would also explicitly list the possible outcomes of not vaccinating a child, according to the report.
“When large percentages of the population are immunized, preventable diseases are held in check and almost eliminated. But parents opting their children out have led to some of these diseases making a comeback,” said Rep. Sean Matthews (D-Talleyville).
“If an outbreak like we’re seeing in other states was to happen here, unvaccinated kids could be kept out of school until the epidemic passes,” Rep. Matthews said, according to The News Journal. “We want to be sure that parents know ignorance is not an excuse if their child unfortunately catches one of these preventable diseases.”
More articles on vaccines:
Autism Speaks chief science officer: ‘Vaccines do not cause autism’
Vaccine exemptions and the measles outbreak: 5 things to know
How healthcare providers are responding to the measles vaccine debate
