HCS#2 HB 131 -- IMMUNIZATIONS

SPONSOR:  Cooper, 155 (Schaaf)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Health
Care Policy by a vote of 11 to 0.

Beginning April 1, 2007, this substitute requires that
immunizations administered to children under the age of three or
knowingly pregnant women cannot contain more than one microgram
of mercury per five-tenths milliliter dose.  Insurers doing
business in Missouri that provide coverage for immunizations on a
fee schedule or a percentage reimbursement basis are required to
reimburse for immunizations not containing mercury at the same
percentage rate of the usual and customary charges provided for
immunizations containing mercury or other preservatives beginning
April 1, 2007.  The Director of the Department of Health and
Senior Services is required to exempt the use of a vaccine from
compliance with this requirement in the event of a public health
emergency.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on General Revenue Fund in FY 2006, FY
2007, and FY 2008.  Estimated Income on Other State Funds of $0
to $8,000 in FY 2006, $0 in FY 2007, and $0 in FY 2008.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that mercury is a neurotoxin, and
there is a concern that some children develop autism due to
exposure to mercury.  Thimerosal is a mercury-containing
preservative that is used in multi-dose vials of some vaccines.
Children are exposed to thimerosal and mercury when they receive
vaccinations from multi-dose vials.  There are also questions
about the effect of mercury on the aging process.  Eliminating
mercury-based preservatives from multi-dose vials of vaccines
will eliminate one way in which children and adults are exposed
to mercury.  Individuals should be given information about
whether the vaccine they are receiving contains mercury-based
preservatives.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Schaaf; Dr. Roy
Holand; Dr. Alan Clark; Lujene Clark; Shelly Hume; Rita
Shreffler; Keith Mueller; Anthony Johnston; and Concerned Women
for America of Missouri.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

OTHERS:  Others testifying on the bill say parents should be
allowed an exemption from required vaccines for their children if
the person administering the vaccine cannot prove that it is
mercury-free.

Others testifying on the bill was Missouri First.

Amy Woods, Senior Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated August 25, 2005 at 1:18 pm