Gov. Doug Ducey wants Arizona kids to be vaccinated against various childhood diseases, calling it a matter of public safety — but he isn’t yet ready to mandate that.

There has been an uptick in the number of kindergartners and sixth-graders who did not get their vaccinations. Arizona law allows parents to opt-out for personal reasons. Ducey told Capitol Media Services he wants to see all kids vaccinated and when asked about the opt-out law.

“I think it may be time to reconvene and talk about how we can reform or improve the law or policy and use that setting to also educate," said Ducey.

Ducey said he believes parents who opt out are doing so in the best interest of their children, but he wants them to have the facts — especially when it comes to rumors, like those linking vaccines to autism. Those rumors concern Ducey, he said they appear to be “unfounded.” 

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