Vaccines are important for communities

The number of school vaccination exemptions is on the rise, causing concern to communities.

“Anti-vaxxers,” parents who decide not have have their kids vaccinated, have been arguing that the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine is linked to autism spectrum disorders.

Although scientific studies have not found this link, the persistent fear has been gaining strength.

Texas allows parents to opt out of vaccinations for “reasons of conscience,” so it’s no wonder the state is ranked high in the number of unvaccinated kids.

But some school districts have ranked higher than the state average.

The Keller district had almost 700 waivers filed last school year.

By comparison, only 197 waivers were filed in the Fort Worth school district, which has almost triple the enrollment.

Although Keller’s population of unvaccinated kids hovers around 2 percent, it’s enough to cause concern.

No medicine works 100 percent of the time, and vaccinations are no exception.

Although inoculations are extremely effective, 90 percent or above, there is still a sliver of a chance that a vaccinated kid could get sick.

Leaving kids unvaccinated puts other children at risk.

This story was originally published August 18, 2016 at 5:45 PM with the headline "Vaccines are important for communities."