Connecticut House Bill HB05135

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/19
• Refer: 1/10/19

Caption

An Act Prohibiting The Administration Of Vaccines Containing Thimerosal To Children Under Three Years Of Age And Pregnant Women And The Establishment Of Requirements For Immunizations For Noncommunicable Diseases In A Child Care Or School Setting.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05135 would not only restrict the use of thimerosal-containing vaccines but also eliminate immunization requirements for noncommunicable diseases within childcare and school settings. This aspect of the bill could impact public health initiatives aimed at managing diseases such as hepatitis B and human papillomavirus, potentially leading to decreased vaccination rates. The removal of these requirements could have broad consequences for community health and could increase the risk of outbreaks of these preventable diseases.

Summary

House Bill 05135 proposes significant changes to vaccination policies regarding children under three years of age and pregnant women by prohibiting the administration of vaccines containing more than trace amounts of thimerosal. The bill aims to protect these vulnerable populations from potential harmful ingredients found in certain vaccines. This legislative measure reflects a growing concern among some groups regarding vaccine safety, particularly the use of thimerosal, which has been a topic of debate within medical and public health communities.

Contention

The bill has sparked significant debate among lawmakers and public health officials, with proponents arguing that it prioritizes the health and safety of children and pregnant women. In contrast, opponents contend that the legislation undermines public health efforts and could compromise the effectiveness of immunization programs. The potential public health risks associated with decreasing vaccination coverage have raised concerns about the long-term implications of such a policy, especially in the face of re-emerging diseases that vaccines have historically helped to control.