TOPEKA — Vaccination opponents in Kansas have mobilized against a plan from the state health department to require more immunizations for children in school and daycare.
The Wichita Eagle reports that dozens of them packed a hearing on a regulation drafted by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. They appeared to outnumber supporters 3-to-1, judging by the applause for comments.
The new rule would require children in school and daycare to be vaccinated against meningitis and hepatitis A. Required immunizations already include polio, measles, whooping cough, mumps and chickenpox.
The change could take effect later this year. Opponents said it would give state government too much power.
The new rule would put Kansas in line with recommendations from the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices, which guides vaccine use in the U.S.
