Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A state lawmaker has proposed a bill that would make it more difficult for Maine parents to opt out of immunizing their children.
The Portland Press Herald (http://bit.ly/1BgjGAD) reports that Maine's opt-out rate for children entering kindergarten has climbed recently to 5.2 percent in the 2013-14 school year, the fifth-highest in the nation.
Democratic Rep. Richard Farnsworth, of Portland, says many parents opt out based on mostly unfounded fears that immunizations can be harmful.
To gain a philosophic exemption, Maine parents need only sign a form.
Farnsworth's measure would require parents who wish to opt out for philosophic reasons to first consult a primary care professional, such as a doctor or nurse practitioner. After the discussion, if the parents still don't want their children vaccinated, they would need a medical professional's signature.
___
Information from: Portland Press Herald, http://www.pressherald.com
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
