Article about Ohio bill initiates debate about vaccine mandates

Last week, the Ohio Capitol Journal published an article about HB 319—the “Conscientious Right to Refuse Act”—which would prevent employers and institutions in Ohio from placing restrictions on those who refuse vaccines or other medical treatments due to personal or religious beliefs. Many social media users who shared the article expressed concerns that this bill will negatively impact public health, while others questioned whether or not unvaccinated people put others at risk.

Recommendation: Social media posts questioning vaccine effectiveness may discourage patients in Ohio from getting recommended vaccines for themselves and for their children. Messaging may emphasize that recommended vaccines prevent severe illness and death from dangerous diseases. High vaccination exemption rates correspond with an increase in outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases because declining vaccination rates jeopardize herd immunity. Learn more about recommended vaccines from the CDC.