SENATE 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 Passed Senate, March 5, 2015
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: 2/02/15, 2/05/15 [DP].
Passed Senate: 3/05/15, 49-0.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Becker, Chair; Dammeier, Vice Chair; Cleveland, Ranking Minority Member; Angel, Bailey, Brown, Conway, Frockt, Jayapal, Keiser and Parlette.
Staff: Evan Klein (786-7483)
Background: The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention establish a schedule for the vaccination of infants and children based on recommendations from the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices. The Washington State Board of Health has adopted immunization requirements for schools and child care centers. The requirements address immunizations for 11 vaccine-preventable diseases based on national immunization guidelines.
The Department of Health (DOH), consistent with the national immunization guidelines, requires a child to be vaccinated against, or show proof of acquired immunity for, 11 vaccine-preventable diseases before attending a Washington school or child care center, including diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis or whooping cough. A child may be exempt from immunization requirements for medical, religious, or philosophical reasons.
DOH maintains the Child Profile Health Promotion System to distribute health and safety mailings, including immunization information, to Washington parents of young children from birth to age six. DOH also maintains the Washington State Immunization Information System, a web-based tool for health care providers and schools to track immunization records for Washington residents of all ages.
Summary of Bill: 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 their health care providers to encourage discussion on childhood immunizations and postnatal care.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill will help get information into the hands of families while parents are going through a pregnancy in the hopes of eliminating the fear of immunizations. If vaccination information is received by parents early enough, it can help avoid problems with getting children immunized later. This bill encourages discussions between parents and providers and will hopefully increase immunization rates. DOH already has many of these materials prepared, so providing them to expecting parents won't require extensive implementation.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Becker, prime sponsor; Amber Bronnum, Group Health; Michele Roberts, DOH; Sydney Zvara, Assn. for Worksite Health Protection.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.