HCS HB 507 -- VACCINATIONS FOR FIRST RESPONDERS

SPONSOR:  Holand (Hubbard)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Health
Care Policy by a vote of 13 to 0.

This substitute requires the Department of Health and Senior
Services to offer a vaccination program for first responders who
may be exposed to infectious diseases when deployed to disaster
locations as a result of a bioterrorism event or a suspected
bioterrorism event.

The substitute sets forth the vaccinations that must be offered
to first responders.  Participation in the vaccination program is
voluntary for some first responders, except responders identified
by their employers who cannot safely perform their emergency
responsibilities without the vaccination.  The substitute
requires the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on
Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control to be
followed when screening first responders for contraindications to
the vaccination.  First responders will be exempt from
vaccinations when medically contraindicated.

The department must give priority to first responders and persons
exposed to biological agents if there is a shortage of a vaccine.
Educational material regarding ways to prevent exposure must also
be provided to first responders.  The department may contract
with other entities for the administration of vaccinations.  The
program will become effective upon receipt of federal funds.

The substitute contains an emergency clause.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not available at time of printing.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill protects the public
health of Missourians by establishing a voluntary vaccination
program for first responders and other persons who may be exposed
to biological agents.   The bill allows a medical exemption for
first responders who have a documented contraindication to the
vaccination.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Hubbard; and Missouri
State Troopers Association.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that the State of
Missouri or the federal government should not have the authority
to mandate vaccinations which could have various side effects.
The bill preempts the health care decision-making authority of
individuals concerning vaccinations.

Testifying against the bill was Missouri First.

Others testifying on the bill was Department of Health and Senior
Services.

Joseph Deering, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated July 25, 2003 at 10:12 am