The father of a boy killed by bacterial meningitis and an expert in infectious diseases are among advocates coming to the Ohio Statehouse to promote new vaccine legislation.
The Immunization Advocacy Network of Ohio has organized an event Tuesday to speak to state lawmakers. The organization of immunization providers and supporters says vaccines are valuable to the health of the state.
The effort comes as national debate rages over forced vaccinations. The U.S. has experienced outbreaks in recent years of meningitis, measles, mumps and other infectious diseases that were practically wiped out through widespread immunizations. Several outbreaks touched Ohio.
U.S. House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio has joined Republican congressional leaders in encouraging childhood vaccinations. They have said a law may not be needed.