Report: Flu vaccine proposal for RI preschools gets backlash from ACLU

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A proposed state health department regulation that would require children up to ages 5 years and older to get an annual flu immunization and would keep those with medical exemptions out of school or day care during flu outbreaks has received opposition from the Rhode Island chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, according to the Associated Press.



The group has called the regulation a “serious intrusion” on families and the ability for them to make their own health care decisions, the AP reported.



‘While we understand the frustration of public health officials who have been unable to convince parents to willingly vaccinate their children against influenza, state intervention in the medical decisions of families must be limited and rare,’’ ACLU policy associate Hillary Davis was quoted as saying at a hearing this month.



According to the report, the health department has also proposed mandating the human papillomavirus vaccine series beginning with students entering 11th grade.