the problem is that when we just allow sort of this open refusal to vaccinate, although some people would say religious or philosophical refusal, it creates these populations that are at risk when outbreaks occur like this one," McGrath said.
“And it makes it really hard to get control of it. It would be easier if everyone who can be vaccinated would just be up to date on their vaccines because we have vulnerable patients in the community who are immunocompromised, including kids. There’s more and more kids receiving transplants than ever before. Those are kids who are on immunosuppression; they can’t get vaccines. We have to give protection to the most fragile patients.”
Hornik advocates for eliminating the philosophical and religious reasons for vaccine exemptions.
"In Michigan, the only thing that’s really going to help this and change it is if we statewide make a rule," said Hornik. "That’s what’s working in other states."
He said that for all but two religious groups, vaccines are not a problem.
"There are only two that we know of: One is the Dutch Reformed Church. They’re urging no vaccines," Hornik said. Christian Scientists, he said, also oppose vaccines, however, "even those ones are debatable. ... And the whole philosophical thing is a fallback for people.
"I would love it if our Legislature took that up," Hornik said, and passed a law that would eliminate religious and philosophical objections to immunizations. So would the Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, he said.
"We are lobbying on behalf of kids every day," he said. "This is at the top of the list."
Contact Kristen Jordan Shamus: 313-222-5997 or email@example.com. Follow her on Twitter @kristenshamus.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct a misspoken statement about which religious groups oppose vaccinations.