Supporters of a bill that aims to raise childhood vaccine rates are concerned that Vermont's rate of unvaccinated kids is growing, causing a public health concern. But opponents of the bill say parents, not the state, should decide whether to vaccinate a child.

The latest national survey of vaccination rates has been released, and it shows that about six percent of Vermont school kids haven't had all their shots, one of the highest rates in the country.

Parents in Vermont have a legal right not to get their kids vaccinated, and the number of parents opting out has risen since 2007.

VPR's Jane Lindholm talks with Mark Pendergrast, author of "Inside The Outbreaks" about the effectiveness and controversy of some vaccines.

Vermont's health commissioner took a minute this afternoon to get a flu shot - and to remind everyone else to do the same. Dr. Wendy Davis said the vaccine is widely available this year.