One of the big news stories this week--the Chickenpox outbreak in Derby. For the first time ever, under a new state statute, students who are not vaccinated against the Varicella virus are not allowed in the 2 schools right now with outbreaks--and it may be weeks before they can come back. According to Derby schools and the Sedgwick County Health Department, kids without vaccines in these schools must stay out of class for 3 weeks after the last case is reported. That could be months at the current rate. The kids can come back to school if they get the chicken pox or get the shot. 

This story brought up a lot of discussion on vaccines.  Should kids that aren't vaccinated as recommended be allowed in a public school in the first place? How can vaccines be a "requirement" if all you have to do is sign a piece of paper and you can get around them?

My girls were lucky to get vaccines and not have any side effects but there are people who believe vaccines have harmed their children.  Do you know parents who don't vaccinate their kids? What's their reasoning? What are your thoughts on "required" vaccines?