By Chris Fox, KRLD Austin Bureau Chief
AUSTIN (1080 KRLD) - State Representative Matt Krause filed vaccination-related legislation to make it easier and more anonymous for parents to opt their children out.
Jackie Schlegel of the group Texans for Vaccine Choice is lobbying State lawmakers in support of the legislation. "Parents and individuals are best equipped to make these medical decisions for themselves."
Krause's bill would also block State Health Agencies from tracking vaccination rates. Schlegel opposes any efforts by the State to track those kids who have opted out of receiving vaccines. "It creates a hostile environment for those who may opt out of one or more vaccines for various different reasons."
Dr. Peter Hotez is the Director of the Center for Vaccine Development at Texas Childrens Hospital. He says with over 56-thousand un-vaccinated kids in Texas, all of the ingredients are in place for a deadly measles outbreak. "Once the percentage of kids (receiving vaccinations) in the state goes down below ninety-percent you can start seeing breakthrough epidemic infections."
Hotez says the trend of those opting out of vaccinations has doubled since 2011. "It's been rising every year and every year the anti-vaccine lobby has been putting in more legislation to make it harder and harder to vaccinate your kid."
