It appears that Hollywood parents are taking a stand against vaccines. According to immunization records, vaccination rates have been falling at top Hollywood elementary schools. Many parents are being driven to skip vaccinations due to the ongoing debate regarding vaccines and their link to autism and other neurological disorders such as, encephalitis, mental retardation, and ADD among others. Celebrities like Jenny McCarthy and Alanis Morissette have impacted this community a great deal. McCarthy along with Jim Carrey led the 2008 “Green Our Vaccines” Rally, which advocated for the removal of thimersol and other toxic chemicals that are found in multiple vaccines.

Vaccination Rates Decline In The State Of California

Reports have indicated that in some schools up to 70 percent of California parents have filed “personal belief exemption” forms which, if approved, permit them to opt out of all vaccinations, such as measles, whooping cough, polio, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, chicken pox, diphtheria and tetanus. The Hollywood Reporter conducted an investigation and found that wealthy Westside children, those who attend exclusive, entertainment industry favored child care centers, preschools and kindergartens are far more likely to get sick than other kids in L.A.

It has been said because of the vast immunization decline there is a resurgence of diseases such as whooping cough and measles which was reported the Los Angeles Times to have hit a high in California this year.

Holly Blumhardt, a mother of three unvaccinated children, told the LA Times she and her family believe in staying healthy from the inside out, which for her means, taking vitamin and mineral supplements, staying away from all GMO foods, and maintaining an active lifestyle. Blumhardt also said, “Most parents want to do the healthiest thing for their child… it should be their choice.”

Do you think parents should have a choice on vaccinating their children?