Jessica Biel has denied being an 'anti-vaxxer' after opposing a new law designed to reduce medical exemptions from the inoculation programme.
The actress, who is married to Justin Timberlake, has slammed claims she's against the vaccination of children after teaming up with prominent anti-vaxxer advocate Robert F Kennedy Jr.
She was met with a wave of online backlash after being pictured with Kennedy on a day of campaigning in California.
The US has seen a rising trend of parents refusing to get their children vaccinated against diseases like measles and mumps over fears they would develop autism as a result - despite years of scientific evidence confirming there is no link between vaccines and autism.
Taking to Instagram , Jessica wrote: "I am not against vaccinations - I support children getting vaccinations and I also support families having the right to make educated medical decisions for their children alongside their physicians.
"My concern with #SB276 is solely regarding medical exemptions. My dearest friends have a child with a medical condition that warrants an exemption from vaccinations, and should this bill pass, it would greatly affect their family’s ability to care for their child in this state.
"That’s why I spoke to legislators and argued against this bill."
She went on: "Not because I don’t believe in vaccinations, but because I believe in giving doctors and the families they treat the ability to decide what’s best for their patients and the ability to provide that treatment.
"I encourage everyone to read more on this issue and to learn about the intricacies of #SB276 . Thank you to everyone who met with me this week to engage in this important discussion!"
It came after Jessica spent the day with anti-vaxx campaigner Kennedy lobbying against the introduction of the California law.
He described her as "courageous" and thanked her for a "busy and productive day" of work.
"She was a very effective advocate," he added. "She was very strong and very knowledgeable. Extremely well-informed. An extremely effective advocate."
It's not the first time Jessica has had a brush with controversy over vaccinations.
In 2015 a source told InTouch that she and Justin were refusing to allow their son - seven months old at the time - to receive his jabs, over fears they could "cause complications".
