California Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation Tuesday limiting school vaccine exemptions to medical reasons, meaning children will no longer be able to skip vaccinations if their parents' have religious or personal objections.
The governor released a message about his decision to sign the bill that reads, "The science is clear that vaccines dramatically protect children against a number of infection and dangerous diseases. While it's true that no medical intervention is without risk, the evidence shows that immunization powerfully benefits and protects the community."
The legislation gives California one of the toughest vaccine laws in the country, according to a USA Today report.
All 50 states require schoolchildren to be vaccinated, but 48 currently allow exemptions for families with religious objections and 20 exempt children based on parents' personal beliefs. In May, Vermont became the first state to repeal its personal belief exemption, but its religious exemptions clause still stands, according to the report.
Sen. Richard Pan, MD, a pediatrician and cosponsor of the California legislation, told USA Today he hopes other states will follow California's example. "As the largest state in the country, we are sending a strong signal to the rest of the country that this can be done, that science and facts will prevail to make sound laws," said Dr. Pan.
The law has its fair share of critics as well. Many have argued the law infringes upon their freedom of choice and have vowed to challenge the law in court.
Vaccinations and vaccine exemptions have been the subject of considerable debate since December, when a measles outbreak infected more than 100 people across the country. The outbreak was traced to Disneyland in California.
More articles on vaccines:
MERS vaccine being prepped for clinical trials: 3 things to know
Rotavirus vaccine campaign reduced infection-related hospitalizations, study finds
AMA endorses personal belief exemption for vaccines nixed in California