3 months ago I wrote one of my sassier articles about the measles outbreak that had spread through California and beyond. Sorry if I offended anyone, but it had to be said: the fact that one of the most “developed” countries in the world was experiencing an outbreak of a preventable disease of this magnitude seemed absolutely ridiculous to me. Still does! Ok, enough...for now.
It seems I wasn’t alone though. Last Thursday a bill cleared the California Senate that would ensure more kids get vaccinated, creating a safer state for all. About time!
While it’s mandatory in California for kids to get vaccinated in order to attend state-licensed schools, day care centers, and nurseries, there are two exceptions to the rule: children who have a medical reason not to get vaccinated, and those whose parents claim a “personal belief exemption”. If this new bill becomes law, parents will no longer be able to deny their kids vaccines for personal reasons. Kids who have a medical reason won’t be affected.
Saad Omer, an associate professor of global health and epidemiology at Emory University, explained, “We’ve seen in many outbreaks, including the most recent one, that vaccine refusals comprise a significant proportion of those who are affected by the outbreak. The two biggest groups affected were those who did not vaccinate for philosophical or religious reasons and those too young to be vaccinated. Therefore, what we see is that vaccine exemptions and refusals increase risk for [those refusing] but also those who are too young to be vaccinated.”
I’m thrilled to see California take this important step in securing the health of its constituents, (not in the least because it’s my home state and I plan to move back eventually). That said, I have to admit that I still find it upsetting we’re having these kinds of conversations when there are people who would give anything to have their kids vaccinated.
Around the world, 22 million children still lack access to basic, life-saving vaccines. That’s a problem, because one in five children lose their lives to vaccine-preventable diseases before turning five. One. In. Five. To PREVENTABLE DISEASES. How is this allowed to happen?
At the very least, the world community should be able to ensure that no child dies unnecessarily. And that means we need to make sure all children receive vaccines, regardless of where they’re born. So let’s celebrate California for taking this important step, make damn well sure the bill becomes a law (I’m talking to you Californians!) and then focus on the global situation. Global citizens can’t stop until all children have access to vaccines. Join me in taking action by signing the petition in TAKE ACTION NOW.