Measles Outbreak and Vaccines

(KYTX) -- As the measles outbreak grows, so too does the debate over vaccinations. So-called "anti-vaxxers" are coming under fire for refusing to immunize their children. The question many are asking now is should parents be allowed to decide for themselves? Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known. It was eradicated in the United States in 2000, but experts say "anti-vaxxers" are to blame for the recent resurgence. This week, the debate even spread to the political arena. "I do believe that all children should be vaccinated," House Speaker John Boehner said. All 50 states require that children get their shots, but 48 of them allow exemptions for religious reasons. And Texas is among 20 states that recognize exemptions for personal, moral or other beliefs. The nation's new surgeon general, Dr. Vivek Murthy, says it's a problem that's only getting worse. "Well this has been a concern for many, including myself, that we've seen increasing rates of exemptions among clusters in our country," he said. And healthcare officials here in East Texas agree. "A disease can only be eradicated when enough of the community has been vaccinated that it can't get a foothold," Dr. James Taylor with Trinity Mother Frances said. "But when we start decreasing our immunization rates, one person can get that disease and then it will pass around." In a recent Pew poll, 68 percent of Americans said vaccines should be required. Thirty percent say the decision should be left to parents. But for some parents, like Cassandra Gann, vaccinations aren't even an option. Her 14-year-old daughter, Kaitlynn, can't be vaccinated because she's on chemotherapy drugs for rheumatoid arthritis, which suppresses her immune system. "If she gets a cold, it's 10 time worse than if you or I were to get a cold," she said. "The simple flu can put her in the ICU, so this outbreak of measles going around, it could very well kill her." With more than 100 cases of measles in 14 states, more and more experts are pushing parents to get their children vaccinated before that number grows even higher. "It doesn't just impact you, it impacts others," Tyler said. In Smith County, less than 1 percent of kids are exempt from vaccinations. The highest percentage in the state is Lampasas County, with more than 5 percent of students opting out.