Vaccine Debate: Two new bills introduced regarding children, vaccines

Two new California bills have been introduced within days of each other, regarding vaccines and children.

Some parents are concerned about the impact these bills could have on their children, if passed.

"It's kind of a big deal for parents, right. Like, I feel like that's something parents definitely want to know. I would not be comfortable with that,” said parent Michael Skaggs.

On Monday, California Senator Richard Pan (D-Sacramento) introduced a bill that would require K-12 students to get the coronavirus vaccine, eliminating personal-belief exemptions. “I know our children want confidence and certainty that they have a safe place to learn in person with their peers," said Sen. Pan.

However, Skaggs believes the requirement wouldn’t solve the underlying problem. “It does seem like kids tend to do better, as far as their immune systems. So i feel like they're less less likely to need it," Skaggs added,"I don't think that would be as helpful for treating the issue. I, you know, are addressing the issue overall. So I feel like, you know, that seems weird to me. You know, I could see some value, but not enough that i feel like I could get behind it."

In October, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the nation’s first coronavirus vaccine mandate for schoolchildren. But it likely won’t take effect until later this year and allows exemptions for medical reasons, religious and personal beliefs — though lawmakers may try to limit non-medical reasons.

On Thursday last week, Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) also introduced a bill that would allow children ages 12 and up to be vaccinated without their parents’ consent. Only Washington, D.C., has a lower limit, at age 11.

“Many of them do want to be vaccinated, but sometimes their parents don't let them be vaccinated. And sometimes parents are just not prioritizing taking them to be vaccinated,” said Sen. Wiener.

He argued that California already allows those 12 and up to consent to the Hepatitis B and HPV vaccines, and to treatment for sexually transmitted infections, substance abuse and mental health disorders.

Currently in California, minors ages 12 to 17 cannot be vaccinated without permission from their parents or guardian, unless the vaccine is specifically to prevent a sexually transmitted disease.

But it’s raised concerns that kids would want to get the Covid vaccine just because everyone else is.

“At that age, I mean, their brains aren't fully developed," Skaggs added, "It's very easy for them to be moved in to an emotional decision that maybe is not quite as informed.”

However, Riverside County Public Health Officer, Dr. Shunling Tsang, said research has shown vaccines are safe for kids. “I do think that this is one of the ways that we can help our kids, you know, be able to empower themselves to also make decisions around how they can protect themselves against Covid-19,” Tsang said.

She believes getting the vaccine is just another way to protect your kids. “You know, your whole life, your job is to protect your child, right. and so, you know, this is one thing that we can do to protect our children.”

Dr. Tsang said if you’re feeling uneasy about it, don’t be afraid to reach out to your doctor or your child’s doctor for more information.