California lawmaker introduces bipartisan resolution in favor of measles vaccine
The number of confirmed measles cases continued to climb in California this week, and the spread across the nation prompted legislators to introduce a bipartisan resolution Friday to urge vaccination.
U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank), along with Charlie Dent (R-Pa.), Thomas Marino (R-Pa.) and Peter Welch (D-Vermont), introduced the “Vaccines Save Lives” resolution with support from 90 other members of Congress.
Since December, there have been 113 confirmed measles cases reported in California, where the outbreak began when an infected tourist visited Disney Parks between Dec. 17 and Dec. 20. Since then, measles has spread to 16 other states. The latest figures were released Friday by the California Department of Public Health.
The outbreak has stirred up debates on vaccine safety. But Schiff and others use the resolution to praise the advances made in immunizations to protect public health globally and nationwide and to come out strong against those who say vaccines cause life-threatening or disabling diseases in healthy children or adults. The resolution also urges parents, in consultation with their health care provider, to “follow the scientific consensus in favor of timely vaccination of their children,” but stops short of making any mandates.
“There’s no question that vaccines are safe, effective and critical to saving lives and creating a shared immunity in our communities and across the world,” Schiff said in a statement. “With the latest measles outbreak in California and elsewhere, it’s more important than ever that children are vaccinated to prevent the spread of preventable and dangerous diseases. This bipartisan resolution recognizes the importance and scientific necessity of this life-saving medicine.”
Earlier this month, two California senators introduced legislation that would make it unlawful for a parent to refuse to vaccinate a child unless there is a medical complication or a religious exemption.
Source: Los Angeles Daily News