By Carmen Forman | Arizona Capitol Times
(Editor’s note: As a child I had measles, chicken pox and mumps. ~ Phil Riske)
Gov. Doug Ducey promised Wednesday he will not sign several controversial bills moving through the Legislature that could lead to fewer children being vaccinated.
Ducey said he will not sign any legislation that goes against promoting vaccinations.
“I’m pro-vaccination and anti-measles,” he said.
Specifically, Ducey was referring to three bills proposed by Rep. Nancy Barto, R-Phoenix, although he didn’t address the measures individually.
The bills would:
Expand vaccination exemptions and eliminate a requirement that parents sign a state form in order for their kids to receive an exemption
Require doctors to offer parents a blood test to determine if their child is already immune
Require parents to be given extensive information about the risks of vaccines, including information that is typically reserved for doctors
“I think it’s important for people to know that we are pro-vaccination in the state of Arizona,” Ducey said. “Vaccinations are good for our kids and helpful for public health.”
