SB277 Press Release

For Immediate Release
Contact: Jennifer Wonnacott at press@vaccinatecalifornia.org
June 30, 2015

VACCINATE CALIFORNIA CELEBRATES AS SB 277 SIGNED INTO LAW
Thousands of Parents Thank Legislature and Governor for Support of Critical Vaccine Bill that will Raise Immunity Rates & Protect Kids

SACRAMENTO – Vaccine supporters are celebrating the momentous passage of Senate Bill 277 with Governor Brown’s signature today. SB 277 will help raise vaccination rates and protect students and public health.

SB 277, authored by Senators Dr. Richard Pan and Ben Allen, removes the personal belief exemption (PBE) from school immunization requirements, allowing exemptions only for medical reasons. Under the law, vaccinations will be required of children first entering public school, or when they enter seventh grade, after July 1, 2016.

“Thousands of parents across the state unite today in thanking the State Legislature and Governor Brown for their support of Senate Bill 277. Today we can breathe a huge sigh of relief knowing our children and others will be better protected from preventable diseases,” said Leah Russin, mother and co-founder of Vaccinate California.

Vaccinate California extends its sincere appreciation to Governor Brown for signing SB 277. The thousands of parents, grandparents, educators, medical professionals and others who have fought for SB 277 thank the Governor for supporting good public policy that is based in science and what is right for the greater good.

Vaccinate California coalition members submitted thousands of letters, made calls, and attended legislative hearings to show the resounding support for SB 277 from advocates from every county of the state.

“This debate wasn’t fun and it wasn’t easy.  But it was important. We are grateful for the leadership and courage of the legislators who stepped up to make our schools safer.  We appreciate the coalition of groups including CMA, Cal-PTA, California School Nurses Association and California Black Health Network and others that stood shoulder to shoulder with us to advocate for a better public health measure. We thank Dr. Pan, Senator Allen, Assemblywoman Gonzalez, and the other legislators that voted for this bill. And we thank Governor Brown for protecting children and our communities,” concluded Russin.

Vaccinate California joins the California Medical Association, statewide PTA, American Pediatric Association, California Black Health Network, California Children’s Hospital Association, California School Board Association, California School Nurses Organization, California School Employees Association and numerous others in supporting SB277. Vaccinate California is a cosponsor of SB277.

Vaccinate California is a grassroots coalition of thousands of pro-vaccination parents, educators, health professionals and other advocates working to pass Senate Bill 277, the legislation that would remove the personal belief exemption to the vaccination requirement to attend California schools. Evidence from other states shows that linking school attendance to vaccination is a sure way to increase vaccination rates, and increase protection for everyone.