HCS HB 1226 -- VACCINATIONS FOR FIRST RESPONDERS

SPONSOR:  Shoemaker, 8 (Hubbard)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Homeland
Security and Veterans Affairs by a vote of 18 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 lists the vaccinations that must be offered to
first responders.  Participation in the vaccination program is
voluntary.  The substitute requires the recommendations of the
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention to be followed when screening
first responders for contraindications to the vaccination.

The department, in consultation with the Governor and the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, 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 current federal law concerning
first responders and bioterrorism only addresses biological
attacks resulting from the release of anthrax.  The bill will
expand the federal law by creating a vaccination program for
first responders who are exposed to various biological agents
that can be used in a bioterrorist attack and provide parameters
to implement a vaccination program for first responders in
Missouri.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Hubbard; Department
of Health and Senior Services; and Missouri State Council of
Firefighters.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Joseph Deering, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
92nd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 23, 2004 at 11:15 am