When the Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that, "The Disneyland measles outbreak is directly attributable to vaccine-denier movements," we have a problem.

Herd immunity only kicks in if at least 95 percent of the population at large is vaccinated, and Colorado’s vaccination rate is only 82 percent. The lowest in the nation! We must remove personal choice exemptions, as they endanger the health of our communities. This shouldn't be a matter of personal choice; it's a matter of public health and safety. Medical exemptions should be limited to "valid, legitimate, and proven" medical reasons, such as autoimmune diseases, cancer, etc.

I implore you to initiate legislation in Colorado to require vaccinations for preventable diseases for children attending public schools, day cares, and state and federally funded programs. Pregnant women, babies too young for vaccinations, the elderly, and those with autoimmune diseases all depend on the community to protect them by getting vaccinated.

We must work together to protect our communities.