In the face of more disease outbreaks here and in other states, a bill introduced in Maine addresses the issue of vaccinations required by schools. It would eliminate the current exemptions that are offered for those who oppose vaccinations for philosophical or religious reasons. These exemptions are being debated across the country. We look at the ethical and legal ramifications for mandatory vaccinations in advance of a public hearing on the proposed legislation set for March 13.
Guests
Frank Chessa, director of clinical ethics, Maine Medical Center
Eliza Mette, health care attorney, Kozak & Gayer
Dr. Laura Blaisdell, pediatrician and health services researcher, InterMed
Rep. Ryan Tipping (by phone), District 123 Democrat, introduced the bill to eliminate vaccine exemptions
Rep. Beth O’Connor (by phone), District 5 Republican, who opposes the bill to eliminate exemptions
Matt Hogenauer (by phone), senior, Falmouth High School, who is immunosuppressed and wrote an op-ed in support of mandatory vaccinations
Patricia Endsley (by phone), MSN, RN, NCSN; Wells High School nurse; president, Maine Association of School Nurses
Resources
- 3 School Districts In Maine Report Whooping Cough Cases
- Washington measles outbreak climbs while other states grapple with the disease
- Recently vaccinated teen testifies before Congress about anti-vaccination
- Let teens get vaccines against parents' wishes, New York lawmakers say
- States Move To Restrict Parents' Refusal To Vaccinate Their Kids
- Bill Would End Non-Medical Vaccine Exemptions In Maine
- One More Time, With Big Data: Measles Vaccine Doesn’t Cause Autism
- The Daily 202: Growing bipartisan alarm in Congress over measles outbreaks amid falling vaccination rates