This bill preserves a parent's option to exempt their child from immunizations, but also ensures that such a decision is an informed one and that the parent is aware of the individual and public health risks of choosing to not vaccinate their child. (California Immunization Coalition; California Medical Association; American Academy of Pediatrics, 2012) .

             Many parents feel very strongly against having their children vaccinated. There may be religious beliefs that deter parents from vaccinating their children. Currently, 48 states allow exemptions for school and daycare immunization requirements on the basis of religion (Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health-Institute for Immunization Safety, 2008). In areas where a significant percentage of the population have strong religious beliefs that their children should not be immunized, children were 35 times more likely to contract the measles virus and 5.9 times more likely to contract pertussis than children who were immunized (Omer et al., 2006). In a more recent study, Glanz et al. (2009) reported a 23% increased risk for pertussis in non-vaccinated children when compared to vaccinated children. By not being immunized, these children are at a much higher risk of contracting diseases as well as spreading diseases within the community.

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             While religious differences should always be respected, the following article does bring up another interesting concept. An article found on CBS News (2009) talks about a woman named Sabrina Rahim who, although doesn't practice any particular faith, had no problem signing a letter declaring that because of her religious beliefs, her 4-year-old son should be exempt from the vaccinations required to enter preschool. She is among a growing number of parents across the country that are claiming religious reasons to avoid vaccinating their children when the real reason may be fear and concern that the shots can cause other illnesses.