Bill Would Require Talking to Doctor Before Opting Out of Shots

ST. PAUL (AP) - A Minnesota lawmaker wants parents who don't vaccinate their children to meet with a doctor first.

Rep. Mike Freiberg has a bill that would require those parents to learn about vaccines and their impact on diseases from a health care provider. The Golden Valley Democrat's bill was expected to be formally introduced Thursday.

Freiberg says more kids are getting sick with measles, mumps and whooping cough because of parents who don't take their children in for shots.

The U.S. reported a record 644 measles infections last year despite the disease being largely eliminated in 2000. The University of Minnesota confirmed a case of measles on its Twin Cities campus Wednesday.

Freiberg says parents should recognize the "overwhelming evidence" that vaccinations prevent measles and other illnesses