Burlington, Vermont - August 26, 2011
If you're getting ready to send your kids to child care in Vermont, there's new information you need to know.
"The new thing for us is that based on a legislative change, the immunization rules were amended this year and immunizations are now required for children who will be enrolled in licensed or registered child care," said Christine Finley of the Vermont Health Department.
The move comes as the number of kids getting vaccinated for polio, measles, mumps, and rubella continues to drop across the state. In Vermont, parents have the option to opt out of the vaccines for medical, religious or philosophical reasons. Four years ago about 2 percent of kids had the waivers, now it's closer to 5 percent.
"For something like measles that is highly contagious and spreads really easily, you need about 95 percent of your population immunized. And remember there are certain children who can't be immunized; those that might be on chemotherapy or those with immune conditions," Finley explained.
Burlington's YMCA provides child care to more than 100 kids ages 2 to 5. Most of them are already getting their vaccinations.
"Most families do vaccinate their children and prefer for most children to be vaccinated. However, we might have some families who may submit a waiver that has been preapproved by their pediatrician and the Department of Public Health," said Meg Edmunds of the Burlington YMCA.
The health department says as the concern for certain diseases drop from the headlines, concern over potential problems with vaccinations rises.
"No, I am not concerned at all. It's their opinion, it's their choice and as long as they're following the state guidelines and department of health regulations, then it is OK with us," Edmunds said.
Finley, who is Vermont's immunization program chief, says if too many people opt out there could be trouble.
"The massive measles outbreak in Europe that has led to the big increase in the number of measles in this country is a real case in point," she said.
Finley argues the benefits of getting immunized outweigh the risks.
"Nothing is 100 percent safe, but vaccines are safe and they are effective," Finley said.
Click here for more information on what vaccinations are required and recommended in Vermont, and what's involved with a waiver.
Keith McGilvery - WCAX News
