Wisconsin Republicans block meningitis vaccine requirement for students

The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature has stopped Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ administration from requiring seventh graders to be vaccinated against meningitis. The state Senate and Assembly voted Wednesday to block the proposal. There is no current meningitis vaccination requirement for Wisconsin students. The Legislature’s vote also makes it easier for parents to get an exemption from an existing chicken pox vaccine requirement for all K-6 students. Evers’ administration wanted to require parents seeking a chicken pox vaccination exemption to provide proof that their child has previously been infected. Families could still seek waivers from the meningitis vaccination and chickenpox proof requirements for medical, religious or philosophical reasons.