A bill just introduced in Madison would make it more difficult for parents to opt out on vaccinations for their kids. NBC26 gathered both sides of the debate and explains what it could mean, for your kids.
In Wisconsin parents can say no to vaccinations legally for three different reasons; medical, religious or personal concerns. But it's that third option, personal reasons, that has the vaccination debate heating up again.
The number one reason for 90-percent of parents that opt out of vaccinations for their kids in Wisconsin is personal conviction. But a new bill proposes to eliminate that option, which is exactly what many states have already done. Many health care providers in northeast Wisconsin say they support the proposal.
"Anyway we can take out an option to avoid getting vaccinated, it's a positive thing from a medical standpoint in my opinion," says Dr. Scott Westenberg of the BayCare Clinic in Green Bay.
At a rate of nearly double the national average, about 5 percent of Wisconsin parents don't vaccinate their kids. But the other 95 percent are, and doctors say that it shows at their clinics.
"I've seen a great reduction in a lot of illnesses that used to kill kids. I don't see them anymore," adds Dr. Westenberg.
But just because the majority are following suit, not everyone thinks it's a decision that the government should weigh in on.
"I think that every parent should be in charge of their children’s health and be given the right to decide what kinds of injections and other medical treatments are appropriate," says Steve Lankford the President of the Family Nutrition Center in Green Bay.
Back in the 1970's, Steve Lankford decided not to get his children vaccinated and today more than ever he thinks the decision should be up to parents.
"Until a parent is convinced that this is a good medicine for their children I think they should have the right to opt out of these treatments," adds Lankford.
This bill is still awaiting co-sponsorship but it's already garnered support from the Wisconsin Medical Society.
The CDC estimates that vaccinations will ultimately prevent over 700-thousand deaths among children born in the last 20 years. Time will tell whether the bill garners the support it needs to become law.
