Finally, in accord with the 19 states that allow exemptions for philosophical reasons, the current policy also supports some, though limited, exemptions that are philosophical and non-religious in nature. For example, some parents may believe that vaccines pose a health threat to their children physically and/or psychologically. Others may consider immunizations to be scientifically and medically unproven in terms of disease prevention claims. Whatever the case may be, advancements in medical research are increasingly providing support for the effectiveness of vaccines and immunizations in helping control and/or eliminate pernicious diseases - debunking myths, for example, that vaccinations cause autism (National Network for Immunization Information-NNii, 2012). Even further, vaccines for smallpox, measles, polio, and other dangerous diseases have been proven safe and effective after decades and even generations of usage. Thirty-three states, therefore, offer no philosophical exemptions from their immunization policies (National Vaccine Information Center, 2013). Based on considerations for general health and safety of other children and the public, nonetheless, the proposed mandatory immunization policy supports some limited exemptions on the basis of philosophical claims. Similar to claims according to religious beliefs, however, philosophical exemptions can be approved, or denied, on the basis of scientific and medical facts.
Overall, the recent mega-church incident involving a measles outbreak in Texas is entirely avoidable if states adopt and enforce a no loopholes mandatory immunization policy for children. In this respect, the proposed mandatory immunization policy is based on solid and incontrovertible ethical (the greatest good of society) logic and scientific/medical facts. K-12 systems statewide, both public and private, are therefore required to abide by the mandatory immunization requirements.
References
Aleccia, J. (2013, August 31). In Texas and beyond, hot spots for vaccine refusers alarm officials. NBC News. Retrieved from http://www.nbcnews.com/health/texas-megachurch-newest-hot-spot-vaccine-rejection-8C11044898
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]. (2013, February 1). Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended immunization schedule for persons aged 0 through 18 years - United States, 2013. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/su6201a2.htm
Florida Department of Health. (2013, March). Immunization guidelines: Florida schools, childcare facilities and family daycare homes. Retrieved from http://www.doh.state.fl.us/disease_ctrl/immune/schoolguide.pdf
National Network for Immunization Information. (2012, 23 July). Exemptions from immunization laws. Retrieved from http://www.immunizationinfo.org/issues/immunization-policy/exemptions-immunization-laws
National Vaccine Information Center. (2013). Vaccine Laws. Retrieved from http://www.nvic.org/vaccine-laws.aspx
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