AUGUSTA — A bill designed to ensure parents have reliable, accurate information before deciding not to have their children vaccinated won a green light from lawmakers on the health committee. The bill, LD 471, would require parents to consult with a doctor before claiming an exemption from state vaccine requirements for their children on “philosophical” […]
vaccine
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine lawmakers debate vaccination bills
AUGUSTA — Public health experts pressed lawmakers Monday to support bills aimed at boosting vaccination rates in Maine, but Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s administration and other critics said it’s inappropriate to strip parents of the ability to choose whether to inoculate their children. Lawmakers are considering whether to remove the philosophical exemption that allows parents […]
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Posted inMaine, sj-web
Fierce national debate over vaccine exemptions to come roaring through Maine
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The furious debate over vaccine exemptions that has divided parents and lawmakers across the country will rear its head in Maine this week, when the Legislature begins to consider proposals designed to make it harder for people to forgo inoculating their children. The measures face fierce criticism from those who are […]
Posted inMaine
Maine lawmaker wants to protect nonvaccinated people from discrimination
AUGUSTA — State Rep. David Sawicki, R-Auburn, is asking Maine lawmakers to approve a bill that would make it illegal to discriminate against any person who decides to forgo certain vaccinations. Sawicki is the sponsor of LD 950, “An act to prohibit discrimination against a person who is not vaccinated.” On Monday, Sawicki said his […]
Posted inLetters
E. Welch: Vaccinations should not be required
After reading the story in the Sun Journal, “Vaccine debate forges strange alliance” (Feb. 7), I have to share my thoughts. My personal experience in the 1960s with having a child develop severe difficulties after having been given a vaccination leads me to believe that a parent should have the right to say “no” to […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
CDC fails to tie measles outbreak to immigration
One of our colleagues noticed that virtually every Washington Post article concerning the measles outbreak is followed by comments that link the outbreak to illegal immigration. As it turned out, a number of prominent politicians have suggested that there might be a link — or that a link cannot be ruled out. (LePage did not […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Legislators consider reducing vaccination exemptions for children
PORTLAND — With a measles outbreak creating alarm around the country, Maine lawmakers are proposing legislation that would either eliminate philosophical exemptions for childhood vaccinations, or require parents to consult doctors before receiving non-medical exemptions for their children. Vaccination opponents, meanwhile, claim the medicines can harm children. They are pressing for additional protections for parents […]
Posted inFranklin, The Franklin Journal
Animal vaccination clinic to be held in Jay
JAY — The Franklin County Animal Shelter is holding a vaccine clinic from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 6 at the Jay Town Office. A rabies vaccination costs $15; a distemper combo is $10. For more information call the shelter at 778-2638.
Posted inMaine, sj-web
More Maine parents rejecting vaccines
Learn About Tableau Kelly Marshall’s son was just a baby five years ago when news coverage about a feared link between vaccines and autism had reached a fevered pitch. The Bath woman was on the fence about whether to immunize little Miles. She researched the issue, found no substantial evidence that vaccines could cause autism, […]
Posted inFranklin, The Franklin Journal
RSU 9 lists schedule for flu vaccinations for students
FARMINGTON — Mt. Blue Regional School District will offer free flu vaccines for students beginning Oct. 27 at Mt. Blue Middle School. Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease, Regional School Unit 9 nurse Karen Marceau said […]