Medical Opt-Out Rates for Vaccines Vary by State

Aug. 30, 2012— -- Rates of medical exemptions from vaccination requirements are higher in states where exemptions are easier to get, potentially compromising immunity and posing a threat to other children, according to public health experts at Emory University.

In addition, states with stringent standards for nonmedical exemptions found a higher rate of medical exemptions. In other words, parents may be seeking medical exemptions when it is harder to receive nonmedical exemptions.

The researchers evaluated medical exemptions from kindergarten entry requirements for every state between 2004 and 2010, and came up with a total of 87,631 medical exemptions nationwide. Standards allowing medical exemptions from school immunization requirements were inconsistent from state to state.

The study was published Thursday in the Journal of Infectious Disease.

The investigators concluded that medical exemptions should be monitored and evaluated continually to ensure they are used appropriately.