Vermont Senate OKs vaccination bill

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - The Vermont Senate has given final approval to a bill that would end the philosophical exemption used by parents who don't want to get their kids immunized.

Vermont has allowed both a religious and a philosophical exemption — as well as medical exemptions — from immunizations that health official say are key to keeping diseases ranging from polio to whooping cough at bay.

The religious exemption will remain in place, and some senators question whether that will still make it too easy to avoid getting kids their shots.

There's no test in Vermont for what constitutes a religion. But Sen. Randy Brock, a supporter of ending the philosophical exemption, says he thinks people will be honest about their religious beliefs, and not claim them just to avoid immunizations.