Massachusetts parents protesting the flu vaccine law have a message: flu you. I’m Amy E. Feldman.
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signed a law requiring all kids in the state get a flu shot that has some parents up in arms. They’ve created a group called FLU YOU BAKER. Catchy. Like the flu. But can the government legally require parents to vaccinate their kids?
The Supreme Court has said that the Constitution allows the government to mandate that kids be vaccinated, even against parental wishes, but it is largely up to the states to make its own. Every state requires students to be vaccinated before starting school, although all states have a medical exemption if the child’s condition makes a vaccine risky.
Most states have the option for parents to opt out for religious reasons, and about half of states including Pennsylvania broaden that exemption to personal or philosophical reasons. Neither New Jersey nor Delaware allow a vaccine exemption for philosophical reasons. No doubt parents want to keep their kids safe, but the government has the ultimate say in whether to vaccinate them.
From The Judge Group, I’m Amy E. Feldman for KYW News Radio.
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