Congresswoman Wants To Make Measles Shots Mandatory
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - In light of the recent outbreak of measles, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson said she plans to file a legislation which would require all students who attend public schools to get vaccinated.
Wilson, a former elementary school principal, said the vaccinations are effective and save lives.
"The health and safety of children should be our top priority. Children who are not vaccinated put themselves and others in danger of acquiring and spreading preventable diseases, particularly to those individuals who cannot receive vaccinations, such as infants, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems, including the elderly and those with diseases like HIV/AIDS and leukemia," said Wilson in a statement.
All 50 states require that children get vaccinated against measles, but 48 states, including Florida, allow exemptions for religious or philosophical reasons.
A recent poll found 68-percent of Americans think vaccines should be required.
