Mom's Talk ... School Immunization

Moms Talk is a new feature on Sachem Patch that is part of a new initiative on our Patch sites to reach out to moms and families.

Sachem Patch invites you and your circle of friends to help build a community of support for mothers and their families right here in the Sachem community.

Each week in Moms Talk, our Moms Council of experts and smart moms take your questions, give advice and share solutions.

This Week’s Topic: Should Public Schools Allow Non-Immunized Children in the Classroom?

In recent years, the number of families choosing not to have their children vaccinated against some or all childhood diseases has continued to increase. In New York State, families can apply for an exemption that allows their un-or-partially-vaccinated child to enter public school.  News reports of measles and whooping cough outbreaks across the country have fueled a nationwide debate over the ethics of vaccination choices and public health risks. 

Do you believe unvaccinated children put babies too young to be vaccinated and immunocompomised children at risk by allowing almost-eradicated childhood scourges to return?  Or do you think this is an issue of individual choice and personal freedom that schools and government should not legislate? What changes, if any, would you like to see happen surrounding this issue? How have your own personal choices been affected by the larger debate around this topic?