Illinois Parents May Be Required To Have Kids Vaccinated

Vaccinations — every one has an opinion on it, but the decision on whether to have children vaccinated may soon be taken out of parents' hands.

Currently in Illinois, parents can get a religious or medical exemption for vaccines, but if SB 3668 passes, those days are over. SB 3668 removes religious and medical exemptions and requires all children in any public, private, or parochial elementary school to comply with the Illinois Department of Public Health's list of 12 vaccines. Those 12 are Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Rubella, Mumps, Haemophilus Influenza Type B, Pneumococcal Conjugate, Hepatitis B, Varicella, and Meningococcal Conjugate.

It would also allow minors, 14 years and older, to be vaccinated without parental consent and eliminates protections for parents who adopt. Parents who do not immunize their children could even be considered neglectful or abusive.

If passed, it would become effective July 1, 2022.

Should Illinois require all kids in public, private, and parochial elementary schools to be vaccinated?