Lawmakers want day-care workers vaccinated against diseases
Most Illinois day-care workers will have to be immunized from measles and other diseases if Gov. Bruce Rauner signs legislation inspired by the outbreak at a Palatine KinderCare earlier this year.
The Illinois House approved the plan Wednesday, sending it to Rauner for final review.
The proposal applies to workers who care for children ages 6 and under. Experts say children who are too young to get vaccinated against measles and other diseases are among the most at risk to get them.
"They shouldn't have to risk being exposed to measles," said state Rep. Robyn Gabel, an Evanston Democrat.
The plan approved Wednesday is one of a few proposals in Springfield that stem from the suburban measles outbreak. An infant at a Palatine KinderCare was diagnosed with measles in February, and officials identified 15 total cases over the course of the outbreak.
Older children are supposed to be vaccinated before they start school, but there are exemptions and lawmakers are looking at those as well. Now, Illinois allows parents to use a religious or health exemption to avoid getting school-required shots for their children.