State health officials propose new vaccine rules for school enrollment

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — Right now, Oklahoma is one of 17 states that allows children, under many circumstances, to go to school unvaccinated.

It’s required by law for public school students to get vaccinated, but there are exemptions that many doctors say make it too easy.

As a mother of a young daughter, Ivy Griffey is worried nearly-extinct diseases from past generations are coming back.

“It breaks my heart that children in my daughter’s class who should never have to think about that are now seeing those diseases potentially coming back because people just aren’t understanding the science,” said Griffey.

Science that says vaccines are safe is overwhelmingly supported, but retired pediatrician, doctor, and founder of non-profit Vaccinate Oklahoma Thomas Kuhls says misinformation is being spread at the state capitol.

He says it’s not being spread by a large number of people, but rather small groups with big voices and big pocketbooks.

“They’re very active at the legislature, and so, they’re influenced by that,” said Dr. Kuhls, and so much so that an article by the Oklahoma Watch claims that “[v]accination has become a dirty word at the Oklahoma Capitol.”

One so-called "anti-vax" group, the Oklahomans for Health & Parental Rights, led by Liza Greve, declined the opportunity to talk to us, but her message is being heard.

In schools, the department of health reports that the kindergarten exemption rate has more than doubled in the last 10 years, meaning more Oklahoma parents are choosing not to provide vaccination forms to schools, and doctors consider the numbers alarming.

“For some illnesses like measles, we are at risk for having large outbreaks,” said Dr. Kuhls.

In Oklahoma, parents can cite religious or personal reasons for not vaccinating, but Dr. Kuhls believes many have another reason.

“You argue that it’s easier than getting the immunizations, no doubt about it,” said Dr. Kuhls.

Right now, parents who wish to exempt their child from immunizations can do so by filling out a one-page form available right there when they enroll, essentially making it easier than going to the doctor, regardless of whether parents are anti-vaccination or just hesitant. They could be well-intentioned but busy.

“You’re going to get your child immunized in a couple of weeks when you get a day off, and so, you sign the paper, get your kids in school, and then you get busy, forget about it, and those kids are never immunized,” said Dr. Kuhls.

However, new recommendations by the Oklahoma State Department of Health would change that.

The recommendations would require parents to physically go to the health department and get education about the safety of vaccines and to provide documentation to the schools that they did so.

The state of Michigan reportedly saw a 39% drop in exemption forms in one year after a similar rule change there, and it's change parents like Griffey say is needed.

“I think if you’re honest with yourself, you have to realize that you’re doing more harm than good; not just leaving your own child susceptible but the greater community as well,” said Griffey.

The recommendations made by the health department will be open for public comment until March 7.