Health Dept. Could add New Vaccinations

Vaccination opponents in Kansas have mobilized against a plan from the state health department to require more immunizations children in school and day care.

The Wichita Eagle reports that dozens of them packed a public hearing on a regulationdrafted by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

The new rule would require children in school and day care to be vaccinated against meningitis and hepatitis A. The state already requires immunizations against polio, diphtheria, measles, German measles, whooping cough, mumps, chickenpox and hepatitis B. The change could take effect later this year, depending on how the department responds to comments.