My heart is shattered because my 8-year-old son, despite being fully vaccinated, fell victim to invasive Haemophilus influenzae type B (HIB). He passed away within just 16 hours from the onset of symptoms. Doctors informed us that the moment he contracted it, his fate was sealed. This tragedy could potentially have been avoided if herd immunity was intact, which was compromised, they believe, by unvaccinated individuals.

Vaccines save lives. They are essential in ensuring the safety and health of communities, especially in places where people congregate daily, such as public schools. The separation of church and state is a foundational principle of our government, and public schools, being government entities, should reflect that. Therefore, public schools should not grant religious exemptions for vaccinations, as these exemptions often reflect personal beliefs rather than genuine religious mandates.

This petition seeks to accomplish two critical objectives: 1) eliminate religious exemptions for vaccinations in all public schools, thus reinforcing herd immunity and protecting all students from preventable diseases, and 2) make the HIB vaccination a requirement before any child begins kindergarten.

Data shows that community immunity falls significantly when even a small percentage of a population remains unvaccinated, potentially leading to outbreaks of preventable diseases such as measles and HIB. According to CDC reports, vaccine-preventable diseases have started to reemerge in communities with low vaccination rates.

We must act swiftly and decisively to prevent further tragedies. Ensuring that all children in public schools are vaccinated, barring medical exemptions, protects not only those children but all members of society. For those who choose not to vaccinate due to personal beliefs, alternative schooling options should be explored, such as religious institutions that align with their views.

Please sign this petition to protect our children and uphold public health in our schools.