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00000178-73c0-ddab-a97a-7bf830af0000From debate over childhood vaccinations to the changing business of hospital finance, IPR has the stories of hospitals and public health that affect northern Michigan.

Vaccination waivers now tougher to get in Michigan

A new Michigan law for 2015 will force some parents seeking vaccination waivers for their kids to speak to a health professional first. 

The new law took effect Jan. 1st. It targets parents asking for “philosophical” waivers. Michigan has a seven-percent waiver rate – that’s fourth highest in the country.

Jennifer Smith with the Michigan Department of Community Health said the law was adapted from one already making a difference in ten counties.

“In those ten counties that had policies in place last year where education and informed consent were used as a tool, the average exemption rate was only 3.3 percent,” said Smith.

Smith said misinformation about vaccines has caused a spike in waiver rates.

Parents may still receive a philosophical waiver after their conversation with a public health official. Waivers for medical or religious reasons will still be unrestricted.