The sudden rash of measles cases in our state and around the country points to a problem that shouldn’t exist: too many parents are opting out of vaccinating their kids against this highly contagious respiratory disease. It’s an invitation to sickness — mild for most — but for a small fraction of the population, complications like pneumonia and encephalitis can occur.

Given the safety and benefits of a measles vaccine, there is little reason for parents to not take this preventive measure for their children.

Measles vaccinations are required for kids, K-12, to attend state schools, but parents can — and do — opt out of getting their children vaccinated for several reasons: religious beliefs, medical issues, or a “personal” reason. The first two are understandable. The latter is not.

Nationwide, about 95 percent of children have had a measles vaccination before they enter kindergarten. To their credit, almost all Issaquah and Sammamish public schools are at or below that number, according to state health data for the 2011-2012 school year.

Clark Elementary in Issaquah at 9 percent opting out and Issaquah Valley Elementary School at 7 percent. In Sammamish, state data puts the Renaissance School at 7.7 percent unvaccinated. At all three schools, the vast majority of parents opting out do so for personal, not medical or religious, purposes.

Some parents think the vaccine can cause autism, perhaps based on a 1998 study in a British medical journal. Not true. The paper was later retracted and thoroughly discredited. Other studies have found no link.

House Bill 2009, introduced by Rep. June Robinson, D-Everett, would remove the personal or philosophical belief exemption. The Washington State Medical Association, for good reason, supports the bill.

The Legislature should take swift action on this and make our kids‚ and everyone‚ healthier and safer.

Craig Groshart, Issaquah & Sammamish Reporter