HOUSE BILL REPORT
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. |
As Reported by House Committee On:
Health Care & Wellness
Title: An act relating to providing information regarding childhood immunizations to expecting parents.
Brief Description: Concerning the availability of childhood immunization resources for expecting parents.
Sponsors: Senators Becker, Bailey, Dammeier, Rivers, Frockt, Brown and Parlette.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Health Care & Wellness: 3/17/15, 3/26/15 [DP], 2/19/16, 2/24/16 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 15 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Riccelli, Vice Chair; Schmick, Ranking Minority Member; Harris, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Caldier, Clibborn, DeBolt, Jinkins, Johnson, Moeller, Robinson, Rodne, Short, Tharinger and Van De Wege.
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
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.
A child may not attend a school or a licensed day care center unless one of the following is presented before the first day: (1) proof of full immunization; (2) proof of the initiation and compliance with a schedule of immunization; or (3) a certificate of exemption. Full immunization includes vaccines for chickenpox, diphtheria, German measles, haemophilus influenzae type B disease, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, pneumococcal disease, polio, tetanus, and whooping cough.
The Department of Health (DOH) publishes materials related to childhood immunizations on its website, including an electronic 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.
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Summary of Bill:
The DOH 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.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Vaccination is one of the best ways to prevent illness and save lives. Washington's vaccination rates are below state and national goals, so there is a long way to go. Vaccines need to be administered on time. The DOH has resources available, both electronically and in hard copy, that are paid for with federal funds. These resources will help tell new parents what to expect and keep vaccination rates up.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Paul Throne, Washington State Department of Health; and Laurie Lippold, American Academy of Pediatrics.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.