ALBANY — A Queens state senator is set to introduce a bill that would
require parents who don't want to vaccinate their kids to prove they’ve
been counseled by a physician.
“I believe in science, and the science is clear that vaccines are the
right answer to help our children avoid disease,” said Democrat Michael
Gianaris, the bill sponsor.
The legislation, which will be introduced Monday, would require parents
who want to opt out to submit to their kid’s school an affidavit signed
by a physician saying that they discussed the medical risks of skipping
vaccinations.
“The idea is that education will help overcome the anecdotal gossip
that is threatening the health of kids around the country now,” Gianaris
said.
He added: “It’s no coincidence that measles and whooping cough are at
their highest levels in decades at a time when parents opting out of
vaccinating their kids is at its highest level in decades.”
The legislation is being carried in the Assembly by Aravella Simotas
(D-Queens). The mother of a toddler, Simotas says her child is up to
date on all vaccines.
