Why are some Californians against SB 277?
In response to a recent measles outbreak at Disneyland, a bill designated SB 277 has been presented to California’s state legislature to eliminate an exemption to mandatory vaccine rules. The bill also sets a schedule for measles, mumps, and rubella vaccinations. Presently, parents can opt out of these vaccinations if they have a personal, religious, or medical reason.
The various organizations that oppose this legislation each do so for different reasons. Some believe that there is a link between vaccinations and autism. But, autism is hardly the only adverse reaction to vaccines. The conditions conclusively associated with vaccination include GBS, CIDP, ADEM, transverse myelitis, and brachial neuritis. Other parties are not opposed to vaccinations, but do not believe that they should be made mandatory for all families. They see the bill as an infringement on personal liberty.
The recent outbreak affected 131 people in California and 38 people in 19 other states. The majority of those individuals had not been vaccinated. The measles has been all but eradicated in the United States, but kills approximately 146,000 people in other countries each year. The bill would end the exemption for personal and religious beliefs. Californians vary in how often they exercise the personal exemption, with one county meeting 100% participation and another county with more than 20% of people choosing not to participate. California’s statewide average of participation is 91%, which is just under the CDC’s ideal coverage of 92%-94%. SB 277 has already passed the California Senate 25-10. The State Assembly has not yet voted on the bill.
If this measure passes the State Assembly and is signed by the governor, all children in California will be mandated to receive MMR vaccinations unless they have a medical reason why they cannot. The bill will not affect a family’s right to receive compensation for these complications through the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. If you or a loved one has suffered from complications as a result of an inoculation, call vaccine law attorney Leah Durant to learn about your rights today at (202) 775-9200.