Gov. Jerry Brown (D-CA)
California's broad personal belief exemption for vaccinations shouldn't be a contributing factor in future measles outbreaks, because that exemption is being closed. Gov. Jerry Brown has now
signed into law legislation requiring children to be fully vaccinated to attend public or private school. Only medical reasons, not religious or personal beliefs, will be accepted as reason for a child not to be vaccinated.
The bill has received widespread support from health and education organizations across the state, including the California Medical Association; the American Academy of Pediatrics, California; California State PTA; California Immunization Coalition; and the California Children's Hospital Association.
Brown's decision also aligns with the opinions of two-thirds of Californians, who believe children should not be allowed to attend public school unless they are vaccinated, according to a recent Public Policy Institute of California poll.
This is good for public health and for the idea that the government should make laws with the common good in mind.