Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Health Care & Wellness Committee

SB 5143

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Concerning the availability of childhood immunization resources for expecting parents.

Sponsors: Senators Becker, Bailey, Dammeier, Rivers, Frockt, Brown and Parlette.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires the Department of Health to develop and make available resources for expecting parents regarding childhood immunizations.

Hearing Date: 3/17/15

Staff: Alexa Silver (786-7190).

Background:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children be immunized against chickenpox, diphtheria, haemophilus influenzae type b, hepatitis A and B, influenza, measles, mumps, pertussis, polio, pneumococcal, rotavirus, rubella, and tetanus. The CDC immunization schedule recommends that specific vaccines be given to a child at birth and at 2, 4, 6, 12, and 15 months of age.

The Department of Health publishes materials related to childhood immunizations on its website, including an e-book, frequently asked questions, and web pages specific to particular vaccines and vaccine-preventable diseases. The materials cover topics such as vaccine-preventable diseases, how vaccines work, vaccine ingredients, and vaccine safety.

Summary of Bill:

The Department of Health must develop and make available resources for expecting parents regarding recommended childhood immunizations. The resources are intended to be provided to expecting parents by health care providers to encourage discussion of childhood immunizations and postnatal care.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.