Iowa Could End Child Vaccine Requirements to Attend School

A new bill making its way through the Iowa Legislature looks to end vaccine requirements for Iowa school children. Should kids in the state be required to have certain vaccines in order to attend class?

What Vaccines Do Kids Need for School?

KCCI reports that Iowa students currently need to be vaccinated for diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, polio, measles, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox), or seek an exemption due to medical or religious reasons. But House File 2171 would end those requirements in the state.

Republican Representative Zach Dieken, who authored the bill, also wants to stop requiring students' vaccination records be given to the school. KCCI reports that Dieken stated that immunizations should be up to the parents, not the school.

Opponents Say the Bill Could Have a Domino Effect

Medical experts say a change in the child vaccine requirements could end up having a domino effect on children's health. Officials note that when vaccination rates in schools go down, it increases the risk of a potential outbreak, according to KCCI. Medical experts note that vaccines keep all kids safe, not just the ones who got the vaccine.

The bill is now eligible for a full House vote.

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