There are two bills — one good and one bad –concerning childhood vaccines that are working their way through the state legislature. The good bill, A5468, is the Philosophical Exemption Bill, which would allow parents to exercise a philosophical exemption on behalf of their children from mandatory vaccines. New York State currently provides a religious exemption, but no philosophical exemption.
The bad bill, A10942, was introduced at the behest of the pharmaceutical industry and would increase the number of mandatory vaccines. It would even add mandatory flu vaccines.
There will be a rally in Albany this Tuesday, June 10, to stop A10942 and support A5468. Anyone who thinks parents are better suited than politicians to make medical decisions for their children should attend. My Kids My Choice has more details about the rally, the bills and sample letters you can send to your legislators.