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Doctor Opening Clinic To Allow Parents Not To Vaccinate Their Kids

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - A doctor who encourages parents to vaccinate their kids is now making it easier for parents who don't want to go through with the shots.

"I question the effectiveness of them," said Michael Carlson, a father of three children.

Carlson says all of his children have been vaccinated, but he says new information he's learned has him questioning if they'll continue to get their shots.

"Properties of the vaccinations tend to be more harmful than beneficial," said Carlson.

If parents want to opt out of vaccinations, "they just sign a form," said Dr.Dean Blumberg, UC Davis Children's Hospital's chief of pediatric infectious diseases.

It's called a personal belief exemption, but starting on January 1, new legislation requires parents to get a doctor's signature on the form as well.

"Some of the parents are choosing the personal belief exemption out of convenience," said Blumberg.

Blumberg is opening up a clinic to help parents get the needed signature, even though he supports vaccinations. He'll talk to parents about the benefits of vaccines before signing off.

"I have a different perspective than they have. I value different research," said Blumberg.

He doesn't think he'll change any minds, but he supports this new legislation.

"The harder it is for parents to opt out, the lower the rate of personal belief exemption," he said.

Blumberg says during the legislative process, many parents against vaccines worried about finding a doctor who would sign off on this.

"We can provide reassurance to these parents that if they want to opt out, they certainly have the right to do that," he says.

And Carlson plans on doing just that.

"I personally choose not to from this point on," said Carlson.

The clinic is hoping to open on January 1.

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