subject: Immunization Law In Us [print this page] In 1809 Immunization law was first passed in United States. Massachusetts was the first state to pass this law. In Massachusetts initially vaccination against small pox was required. Now most of the states in US have immunization law that requires vaccination against various diseases.
Since the introduction of the law it has become a controversial topic. Different parties have fought over this issue in the courts or in state legislatures. On one hand the advocates of immunization are of the opinion that vaccines are a safe way to protect health. It is necessary to protect public health. On the other hand there are people who are of a different opinion. They object on religious grounds. Some of them also doubt the effectiveness of immunizations.
How Immunization Laws Affect Adults?
Adult citizens are not required to be vaccinated as per the federal and state governments. Even if it is not mandatory the National Immunization Program recommends adults to be vaccinated against certain diseases. But you may need to be vaccinated as a condition of employment in both public and private sector. For example if you are going to join US military you will have to get vaccinated against some diseases.
But adults, who are non-US citizens require vaccination if they wish to reside in United States. It is mandatory for foreign citizens to be vaccinated if they seek permanent residency in US. In fact foreign born children who will be adopted by the country should also be vaccinated against all preventable diseases before entering the country.
How Immunization Laws Affect Children?
It is mandatory for all children in United States to be vaccinated. Before a child enter a school the immunization requirements of the state has to be fulfilled. The infectious disease committees of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Pediatrics make recommendations for the school immunization laws to be based on.
In most states children need to be vaccinated against the following diseases before entering school.
Diphtheria
Hepatitis B
Pertussis (whooping cough)
Haemophilus influenza type b
Measles
Polio
Rubella
Mumps
Tetanus (lockjaw)
In some of the states vaccination against varicella or chicken pox is also required. But small pox is no more a life threatening disease. Therefore nowadays vaccine against small pox is not mandatory in many states.
In US the schools in most of the states require the parents of the students or their guardians to submit written proof that the child is vaccinated. The proof should be signed by health care professionals.
Just like any other state Florida is not an exception. Children in Florida also need to be vaccinated against certain diseases before getting admitted to school. However if you have any objection on religious ground you can consult a Florida health care lawyer to know what can be done about it. It is not a wise decision to handle such issues without legal advice. Therefore you should seek legal help from a professional to deal with the issue.
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