Doctor's signature could soon be required for immunization exemptions
Parents who don't want to vaccinate their children for religious reasons could soon be required to see a doctor before getting an exemption.
If Gov. Bruce Rauner signs into law a proposal passed by the Illinois House Thursday, parents would need a doctor's signature on a certificate of religious exemption that says the doctor provided an education on immunizations.
Proof of vaccination is required for Illinois schoolchildren.
The idea was sparked by the suburban measles outbreak this year that was largely focused on a Palatine Kinder Care.
While this could mean an extra hoop for parents to jump through, state Rep. Robyn Gabel, an Evanston Democrat, says the proposal does not take away parents' rights to avoid vaccinating their children, it only mandates that they see a doctor first.
Right now, parents wishing to receive immunization exemptions for their children are required to submit a religious exemption form, but it does not need to be signed by a doctor. Illinois also offers a medical exemption.
State Rep. Tom Morrison, a Palatine Republican, says he doesn't think additional measures for opting out of vaccinations are necessary. He said the children affected in the most recent suburban measles outbreak couldn't have been vaccinated.
"All of those measles cases were in children under the age of 1. They weren't supposed to get a vaccination anyway," Morrison said. "We have a religious exemption for immunizations that is working. I don't think this bill is necessary."
Gabel says education is important because there often is misinformation about vaccines.
If Gov. Bruce Rauner signs the proposal into law, parents seeking exemption from immunizing their children could get a doctor's signature on the certificate of religious exemption at regularly scheduled physical examinations. Gabel says this would not place any additional burden on the state.
The proposal was approved by 85-28 vote in the Illinois House. The Senate had already approved.