California ‘medical freedom’ group announces plans to file lawsuit challenging vaccine exemption barriers

A California-based nonprofit committed to “protecting medical freedom” is raising money to file a lawsuit challenging barriers to medical vaccine exemptions in the state. The group shared their fundraising goal on social media, where some commenters are voicing support for the lawsuit.

Recommendation: While these types of posts primarily circulate in vaccine opponent circles, they may cause patients in California to distrust vaccine guidance from government and public health officials and may discourage patients from getting recommended vaccines for themselves and for their children. Messaging may emphasize that vaccine mandates are intended to protect the health of individuals and those around them by preventing severe illness and death caused by dangerous diseases. High vaccination exemption rates correspond with an increase in outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. Learn more about recommended vaccines from the CDC.