State Reps. Frankel, Kosierowski Announce Vaccine Legislation

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Two state representatives announced the introduction of vaccine legislation.

Rep. Dan Frankel, of Allegheny County, and Rep. Bridget Kosierowski, of Lackawanna County, are headlining proposed legislation that will increase the vaccination rate of children in the state, announced Tuesday.

Legislators and experts discussed the immunization policy and legislation that requires parents to meet with a doctor if they are seeking non-medical exemptions for their children, according to a release.

They want to increase the vaccination rate in Pennsylvania.

"The bill I am introducing today would require those families to consult with a doctor to discuss the immunizations and the risks of forgoing them," Frankel said.

The release also said Pennsylvania schools will need to publish the number of vaccinated and unvaccinated students. Privacy will be protected, Kosierowski said.

"As the recent outbreak of measles in the U.S., we see the consequences it can have for people, parents and certainly children with compromised immune systems when you are not immunized against preventable disease," Kosierowski said.

WATCH: The press conference featuring Frankel and Kosierowski.

Frankel and Kosierowski said they don't want misinformation online and social media to lead to distrust and fear.

"We have to spend time explaining to families that this is absolute falsehood," Dr. Todd Wolynn said. "We show them CD information, American Pediatrics information. But most importantly, we listen to what their concerns are so we can address them."

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• Vaccines