Protecting Our Children from the CDC ActThis bill prohibits the inclusion of any COVID-19 vaccine on the child and adolescent immunization schedule (which lists the vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for those populations) unless all clinical data related to the safety and efficacy of the vaccine is published on the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Impact
If enacted, HB 87 would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to disclose comprehensive safety and efficacy data before any COVID-19 vaccine can be included in immunization recommendations for children and adolescents. Furthermore, it mandates the removal of any COVID-19 vaccine already on the immunization schedule at the time of the bill's enactment, effectively pausing its administration until data is publicly available.
Summary
House Bill 87, titled the 'Protecting Our Children from the CDC Act', aims to amend the Public Health Service Act to impose restrictions on the inclusion of COVID-19 vaccines in the child and adolescent immunization schedule. The bill stipulates that no COVID-19 vaccine can be added to this schedule unless all relevant clinical data regarding its safety and efficacy is published on the CDC's public website. This effort is framed as a move towards greater transparency regarding the risks and benefits of such vaccines, creating a mechanism for public access to critical health information before regulatory decisions are made.
Contention
The bill has generated significant debate among lawmakers and public health advocates. Proponents argue that the legislation will enhance public trust in vaccines by ensuring the availability of detailed safety information. They believe it serves to protect children's health by promoting informed parental decisions regarding immunizations. Conversely, critics contend that the bill could unnecessarily delay vaccinations, adversely affecting community immunity and public health efforts against COVID-19. There are concerns that the requirement for extensive data publication may create barriers to timely vaccine updates needed to respond to emerging infectious diseases.
Authorizes a licensed pharmacist to administer any recommendations made by the commissioner of health pertaining to a vaccine that has been authorized by the federal Food and Drug Administration; relates to insurance coverage for immunizations; removes the requirement to follow the advisory committee on immunization practices of the centers for disease control and prevention recommendation for immunization against meningococcal disease.
Supporting the role of the United States in helping save the lives of children and protecting the health of people in low-income countries with vaccines and immunization through Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance ("Gavi").
Requires written consent by recipient or parent before vaccine and prohibits discrimination against those who don't vaccinate and fines up to $25,000 for violation. Also prohibits DCYF from investigating their for failure to vaccinate their child.
Requires written consent by recipient or parent before vaccine and prohibits discrimination against those who don't vaccinate and fines up to $25,000 for violation. Also prohibits DCYF from investigating their for failure to vaccinate their child.
Authorizes a licensed pharmacist to administer any recommendations made by the commissioner of health pertaining to a vaccine that has been authorized by the federal Food and Drug Administration; relates to insurance coverage for immunizations; removes the requirement to follow the advisory committee on immunization practices of the centers for disease control and prevention recommendation for immunization against meningococcal disease.
Authorizes a licensed pharmacist to administer any recommendations made by the commissioner of health pertaining to a vaccine that has been authorized by the federal Food and Drug Administration; relates to insurance coverage for immunizations; removes the requirement to follow the advisory committee on immunization practices of the centers for disease control and prevention recommendation for immunization against meningococcal disease.
Supporting the designation of the first week of April as "Adolescent Immunization Action Week" and recognizing the importance of encouraging vaccination for adolescents and young adults to protect against serious illness.