HCS HB 317 -- IMMUNIZATIONS FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN

SPONSOR:  Barry

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Children,
Families and Health by a vote of 14 to 0.

This substitute requires the Department of Health to develop
rules requiring an immunization for hepatitis A for children
attending day care centers, preschools, or nursery schools.  The
department is also required to develop rules requiring an
immunization for hepatitis A for children attending public,
private, parochial, and parish schools beginning with the
2003-2004 school year.  The department is required to inform the
public of all exemptions available whenever immunization
schedules are available.

The substitute allows an exemption if one parent or guardian
objects in writing to the school administrator because of
philosophical beliefs.  In cases where an objection is based on
philosophical beliefs, a notarized statement of a parent's or
guardian's informed consent concerning the objection to immunize
a child must be provided annually to the school administrator.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not available at time of printing.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) now recommends routine vaccination of
children in states, counties, and communities with rates
exceeding the 1987-1997 national average of 10 cases to 20 cases
per 100,000 persons.  During this period, Missouri fell within
this parameter, with a rate of 19 cases per 100,000 population.
Most adults contract the disease from children, who, in most
cases, are asymptomatic.  The costs associated with the disease
are enormous, with adults missing an average of 27 work days a
year.  Hepatitis A continues to be one of the most frequently
reported vaccine-preventable diseases in the United States.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Kennedy; Arnold
Balanoff, M.D.; American Liver Foundation; Vickie Lynn Crooke;
Missouri Retailers Association; Missouri Nurses Association; and
Missouri State Medical Association.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that the general
public does not know the cumulative effect of all of the
required immunizations on a child's immune system.  Opponents
also state that providing a philosophical exemption would allow
a parent or guardian the right to decide the types of
immunizations which are received by their children.

Testifying against the bill were Concerned Women for America,
Missouri Chapter; and Fran Norton, R.N.

Joseph Deering, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated November 26, 2001 at 11:43 am