University of California schools will require student vaccinations

Beginning in 2017, all incoming students at University of California schools will be required by law to be vaccinated against measles and other standard diseases. Although the prior policy only required students to have a vaccination against hepatitis B, the new requirement includes vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox, meningococcal meningitis, tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough. Students at UC schools in the 2015-2016 school year will be notified of the change and will be expected to have these vaccinations. However, the policy will allow exceptions for certain religious or medical purposes.

“I’m really excited that there’s support and momentum for this new immunization plan,” said Dr. Gina Fleming, medical director for the UC Student Health Insurance Plan, in an interview. “We know that these preventive measures are effective.”

Nearly 100 cases of measles have been confirmed across California since the outbreak began in December. UC schools would like to prevent any new cases on campus and will enforce a more stringent policy on vaccinations. Students applying to UC schools who do not meet the vaccine requirements will have their registrations put on hold until they can receive all required vaccinations.

“It is irresponsible for parents to not vaccinate their kids and send them to public places like colleges where there are many people susceptible to diseases,” said sophomore Yasmine Soltani. “This so-called ‘freedom’ of vaccinating or not could harm and affect other people, not just a student or child.”

Many people are concerned due to the possible risks associated with vaccinations. The pharmaceutical company responsible for producing the measles vaccine has published an extensive list of ailments known to result from the injection, sparking great controversy. According to the manufacturer, the measles vaccine has also not been evaluated for carcinogenic or mutagenic potential. However, the general risk of vaccines is actually very low and only a minority of people is rallying against vaccines. According to the Center for Disease Control, only about two percent of people in California are against vaccinations.

While the facts of the measles vaccinations are debated and discussed, UC schools will continue their plan of required vaccinations for all incoming students. These preventative measures will continue to be implemented beginning now and in the future.