A new Washington state law prohibiting personal and philosophical exemptions from vaccines went into effect July 28, according to STAT.
Parents in the state can no longer refuse to vaccinate their children with the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine due to personal or philosophical reasons, although they can still obtain medical or religious exemptions. The law applies to all children attending public and private schools and day care facilities.
Over 80 measles cases have been reported this year in Washington, which is one of four states still dealing with the outbreak. Maine and New York also eliminated personal exemptions to vaccines this year. Only 15 U.S. states still allow for non-medical exemptions.