Montana is facing potential risks from the measles outbreak due to a lack of data on immunization rates at local levels. The state no longer collects immunization reports from schools, leaving a data gap for health officials. Lawmakers are considering a bill to undo the 2021 policy that discontinued this data collection while maintaining privacy protections. Meanwhile, other vaccine-related measures are advancing in the state legislature, including one that would make it easier for children to be exempted from required immunizations. Supporters argue for individual decision-making around vaccinations, while opponents express concerns about community immunity and individual risks. With measles being highly contagious and potentially dangerous, experts urge for increased vaccination rates to prevent outbreaks. The bill has passed the state Senate and is now under consideration in the House. The situation underscores the importance of data collection and informed decision-making in protecting public health.
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