The U.S. public health laws that require vaccination before entering school have prevented considerable pediatric morbidity and mortality, and yet, they are being eroded, according to public health experts and pediatricians.
In 1981, all 50 states had vaccine mandates for school entry with few exceptions. As of 2019, all 50 states still required some vaccination for school entry, but not necessarily all the CDC-recommended childhood vaccines. However, 29 allowed medical or religious exemptions; 17 allowed medical, religious or “philosophical” exemptions; and some did not require vaccination for homeschooled children, according to the latest report by the CDC’s Public Health Law Program (bit.ly/4amqKmk-IDSE). In addition, the documentation required to obtain an exemption varied by state.
These exemptions mean more parents can send their unvaccinated children to day care or school, endangering people in their communities.