Brief Description: Requiring schools to provide information on meningococcal immunization.

Sponsors: By House Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Green, Rodne, Cody and Moeller).

House Committee on Health Care
Senate Committee on Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education
Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Background:

Meningitis is an infection and inflammation of the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis is most frequently caused by either bacteria or viruses. The bacterial variety is usually the most serious. Meningitis must be treated immediately to lessen the effects of any potential complications.

Meningococcus is a highly contagious bacterial form of meningitis. It can lead to brain damage, hearing loss, and learning disabilities. It kills about 300 people every year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that between 1991 and 1997 the number of cases of meningococcal meningitis doubled for people 15 to 24 years old. Common living situations for people in these age groups such as college dormitories, boarding schools, and military bases are at a higher risk for outbreaks of the disease. In February 2005, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended that all college freshmen living in a dormitory and all 11 to 12-year-old children receive a vaccination for the disease.

While proof of immunization for meningococcal meningitis is not required for admission to school, meningococcal meningitis is a notifiable condition that health care providers and facilities must report to the local health department immediately and laboratories must report within two days.

Summary:

All public and private schools must provide the parents and guardians of students in sixth grade and above with information about meningococcal disease at the beginning of every school year. The information must address the characteristics of the disease; where to find additional information about the disease and vaccinations for children; and current recommendations from the CDC regarding receiving the vaccine.

The Department of Health (Department) is responsible for the preparation of the informational materials in consultation with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. Neither the Department nor the schools are required to provide the vaccination to students.

Votes on Final Passage:

House   95   0
Senate   48   0   (Senate amended)
House   96   0   (House concurred)

Effective: July 24, 2005

Partial Veto Summary: Removes the emergency clause that requires that the bill take effect on July 1, 2005.