Monday, May 4, 2020

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Dear John,

When we talk about vaccinations, good people have different opinions. Some believe every child should be fully vaccinated and that the state is right in requiring that for students to attend school. Others believe, parents should have the right to exempt their children from any or all vaccinations and still be able to attend school. As an organization, we don't take a position on whether parents should vaccinate or not. However, we do believe parents should have as much freedom as possible to make any medical decisions for their children, including whether they vaccinate or not. We also do not take a position for or against any given vaccination, except one: Gardasil HPV vaccine, which presumes sexual activity in children as young as 11 or 12. We don't believe any school should require that vaccination, and we believe there is evidence to show dangerous side-effects from this vaccine.  

That said, we do believe parents should be made aware of proposed changes in the vaccine and vaccination laws, rules and regulations in our state. That is the spirit of this communication. We are giving you INFORMATION; you then can decide your position on the proposals and if you want to contact legislators on this issue.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:  THE COMMITTEE HANDLING THE MATTER BELOW IS MEETING TOMORROW MORNING, TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2020, AT 11 A.M. TO VOTE ON THE PROPOSED VACCINE/VACCINATION CHANGES. IF YOU WISH TO VOICE YOUR OPINION, WE STRONG RECOMMEND A CALL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.  WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE SHORT NOTICE, BUT WE DIDN'T GET THE INFORMATION MUCH EARLIER THAN WE ARE SENDING IT TO YOU.

The Wisconsin Department of Health is seeking to make changes in the immunizations for children.  Clearinghouse Rule 19-079 has four proposed changes in it that we think parents should be aware of. Those changes are as follows, along with an explanation of the change, provided by the Department of Health Services. Those interested in an opposing view should check HERE, the website of Wisconsin United for Freedom.

**Rule 1 - Change in the ‘substantial outbreak’ classification to include chicken pox.

Varicella (chicken pox) and meningococcal disease are identified by the department as vaccine-preventable diseases. However, a substantial outbreak of these diseases is not currently defined in ch. DHS 144. The department proposes to amend the definition of a “substantial outbreak” to include Varicella (chicken pox) and meningococcal disease, and to ensure consistency with CDC recommendations.

**Rule 2 - Change in the ‘substantial outbreak’ definition of mumps from "an incidence of the disease exceeding 2% of the unvaccinated population” to define ‘substantial outbreak’ as “three or more cases linked by time and place.”

In recent years, mumps outbreaks have occurred in highly-vaccinated populations and in high-transmission settings, including elementary, middle, and high schools, colleges, and camps. A substantial outbreak of mumps is currently defined as an incidence of the disease exceeding 2% of the unvaccinated population. In 2012, the CDC revised the Manual for the Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, to define a substantial outbreak of mumps as three or more cases linked by time and place. The department proposes to amend the definition of a “substantial outbreak” of mumps to be consistent with the CDC Manual for the Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases.

**Rule 4 - Mandate the meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) for all 7th graders, with a booster dose in 12th grade.

Neisseria meningitidis is a vaccine-preventable disease and a leading cause of bacterial meningitis and sepsis in the United States. The meningococcal vaccine is recommended by the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians to reduce the incidence of bacterial meningitis and sepsis. Since 2005, the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended that the vaccine be administered at the 11-12 year old health care visit, along with other routine vaccinations such as Tdap. The department proposes to add the meningococcal vaccine to the list of vaccines required for students entering the 7th grade. This provision will ease the burden on families, providers, and schools by ensuring that both meningococcal and Tdap vaccines are administered at the same visit and the same grade level. The department also proposes a booster dose for students entering 12th grade which is in accordance with ACIP recommendations. This will help to ensure students are fully vaccinated prior to leaving school.

**Rule 5 - Parents would no longer be able to report their child’s chicken pox illness and would be required to see a healthcare provider to confirm infection.

Under the current rule, a parent or adult student may report a history of varicella disease as an acceptable exception to varicella vaccination. Recent studies have demonstrated that there is a high incidence of unvaccinated children who report a positive history of varicella that are not immune. The department proposes to allow the exception only when a history of varicella disease has been reported by a health care provider.

These proposed changes are now in the Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules. If the Committee approves these changes tomorrow, the new rules and regulations will be the law and will have the weight of law, just as if they had gone through the normal legislative process. Following are the committee members and their phone numbers. Now is the time to call these committee members and voice your opinion on these proposed rule changes.

Committee members:

Co-chair Rep. Joan Ballweg - 608-266-8077
Co-chair Sen. Steve Nass - 608-266-2635
Vice-chair Rep. Adam Neylon - 608-266-5120
Vice-chair Sen. Duey Stroebel - 608-266-7513
Sen. Dave Craig - 608-266-5400
Sen. Chris Larson - 608-266-7505
Sen. Bob Wirch - 608-267-8979
Rep. Romaine Quinn - 608-266-2519
Rep. Gary Hebl - 608-266-7678
Rep. Lisa Subeck - 608-266-7521

I know these are busy times, but our government is still active; and our elected officials need to hear from citizens during this time on important issues such as this. Thank you for your involvement in our participatory form of government.

For families,

Julaine Appling, President
Wisconsin Family Action