William Keener, a resident of North Carolina and member of the state chapter of the Secular Coalition for America, writes on a “modest” new bill that would enact stricter immunization requirements in the state:

We can only hope that this proposed legislation leads to a more rational, evidence-based public discussion about the true risks and benefits of vaccinations and better informed consent conversations between doctors and patients. Enacting stricter immunization requirements is necessary but not sufficient to save us from misinformed dissent against our best medical advice on immunizations.

Sens. Jeff Tarte (R-Mecklenburg), Tamara Barringer (R-Wake) and Terry Van Duyn (D-Buncombe) should be applauded for introducing this bill and starting an important conversation about immunizations and public health in North Carolina.

The HPV vaccine and the “home school loophole” still need to be addressed, but we should do so and pass a bill as quickly as possible based on the best medical knowledge and evidence – not on our fears.

When it comes to vaccinations, we’re all in the same herd and share in the responsibility for public health.