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One week after the diagnosis of a second case of measles in Massachusetts, a representative of the State of Haverhill introduced a bill to remove the religious exemption for vaccinations.
"Everyone has the right to practice one's religious beliefs, but no one has the right to affect the child of another person," said Rep. Andy Vargas of Haverhill.
Currently, Massachusetts children may choose not to be vaccinated if their parents rely on a religious reason.
Vargas says the risk is too high and the science is clear. Dr. Ari Cohen, Chief of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at the General Mass for Children, agrees.
"Failure to vaccinate your child puts someone else at risk," said Dr. Cohen.
Related: Health officials: Potential exposure to measles in localities of Massachusetts, Maine
Dr. Cohen adds that the anti-vaxer concerns about the safety of vaccines are unfounded.
"It's a very effective vaccine, it's very safe," he said. "It has been used for many decades."
Representative Vargas filed his bill Friday. This would remove the religious exemption for vaccination of schoolchildren.
"We are joining a movement across the country," said Representative Vargas. "Several states have already abolished religious and philosophical exemptions."
These states include the neighboring Maine, the last to join the movement. California, West Virginia and Mississippi have also removed the exemptions.
Representative Vargas hopes that Massachusetts will be the next step, adding that the number of cases has reached its highest level in 25 years.
So far, 981 cases of measles have been reported and there is no sign of arrest. Dr. Cohen says it's amazing.
>>> MORE: The number of measles cases in the United States reaches the highest level in 25 years
"We are talking about 1,000 cases this year for an illness that we say has been eradicated," he said.
© 2019 Cox Media Group.
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