20 Students In This District Were Told To Stay Home Because They Are Not Vaccinated

Twenty kids from Huntington Beach High School in California have not been allowed to attend school since early January because they have not received vaccines that protect against measles.

Earlier this month, a student from the Orange County school was diagnosed with measles, amid a growing outbreak of the illness in the region. The Associated Press reported that 70 people in six states and Mexico have contracted the disease since mid-December, in an outbreak traced to Disneyland. Most of those who became ill are in California.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory condition that causes a rash all over the body. Measles complications can cause more serious conditions.

Michelle Renfro told the outlet that she chose not to vaccinate her daughter after her son had a severe allergic reaction to a measles immunization. She told the outlet that physicians counseled her not to let her daughter get the vaccine.

“I’ve seen the news. I’ve seen how angry some of the parents are with people who don’t get vaccinated,” Renfro told Today. “Well, I didn’t get a choice as to whether or not Rebecca got this shot. My only choice was: Do I want to risk my daughter’s safety? I’m not opposed to having her vaccinated, if I know she safely can have it.”

The Huffington Post