Sen. Marco Rubio is the latest potential presidential candidate to weigh in on the vaccination debate, coming out strongly in support of vaccinating children.
"Absolutely, all children in America should be vaccinated," the Florida Republicans told reporters Tuesday. "Unless their immune (system is) suppressed, obviously, for medical exceptions, but I believe that all children, as is the law in most states in this country, before they can even attend school, have to be vaccinated for a certain panel."
Rubio also came out against those who say vaccines are connected to autism, saying,"There is absolutely no medical science or data what so ever that links those vaccinations to onset of autism or anything of that nature."
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal also released a statement, saying there is "a lot of fear mongering" over the issue.
"Personally, I would not send my kids to a school that did not require vaccinations. Vaccinations are important. I urge every parent to get them. Every one," Jindal said.
Republican potential presidential candidates have issued an array of positions after New Jersey Governor Chris Christie called for "balance" between government mandate and parental rights. Sen. Rand Paul is on the far end of the spectrum of candidates, saying vaccinations have caused "mental disorders." Neurosurgeon Ben Carson coming out strongly in favor of vaccinations, even ruling out religious and philosophical exemptions.
- Frank Thorp V and Leigh Ann Caldwell