More Idaho Parents Refusing to Vaccinate Their Children

Idaho rules allow exemptions to immunizations under three conditions: Medical, religious and personal. The Times-News reports that in the Twin Falls region and across the state, personal beliefs are the leading reason for exemptions. Idaho Health and Welfare spokesman Tom Shanahan says exempted children make up about 3 percent of the school population statewide. School exemptions have increased more than 62 percent since 2005. Diane Peterson with the Immunization Action Coalition says that when pockets of a community refuse to vaccinate their children, it increases the chance of disease outbreaks. Cases of measles and whooping cough are on the rise in the Northwest.