Kahn: Philosophical exemption for vaccines law is working as it
should  This op-ed is by Joan Kahn, who is a parent and a member
of the Vermont Coalition for Vaccine Choice. She lives in
Montpelier.  Legislators are hearing from many constituents
about S.199 – a bill to remove the philosophical exemption to
vaccination.  I have been following this bill closely since late
January, and have been unable to understand the underlying
reasons why the Vermont Legislature is considering removing the
philosophical exemption.  According to the United Health
Rankings we are the healthiest state in nation, with the second-
lowest infectious disease rate. We rank 22nd for immunization in
children age 19-35 months with a rate of 91.2 percent (the range
is 83-96 percent, only two states in the nation are above 95
percent).  Given the healthiness of our state why are
legislators being told that the philosophical exemption is such
a problem?  The explanation I heard during the Senate testimony
as to why exemption rates are ris