Under a new bill in the Illinois State Senate, children would not be exempt from vaccination based on religious beliefs. State Senator Heather Steans is the author of the bill and she posted this statement regarding the bill on her social media accounts… 

 

"Earlier this month I filed Senate Bill 3668, which takes action to fight infectious disease by increasing the rate of vaccination in Illinois. In 2019, the United States had the worst outbreak of measles in 25 years, with over 1,020 cases in 28 states. SB 3668 ends the religious exemption for vaccination in Illinois, strengthens our mechanism for determining medical exemptions, and empowers those aged 14 and up to choose to vaccinate.

Together, we can do better. #ILVaccinate"

 

Under the bill, 14 year olds could choose to get vaccinated without the consent of a parent or legal guardian. The legislation is backed by the Illinois Department of Health which released a statement backing the legislation in hope of raising the vaccination rate across the state of Illinois.