Connecticut House Bill HB05277

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/19
• Refer: 1/14/19

Caption

An Act Concerning Changes To The Requirements For Students To Qualify For The Temporary Waiver For Required Immunizations.

Impact

If passed, HB 05277 would directly impact section 10-204a of the general statutes, which lays out the regulatory framework for immunization requirements for students in Connecticut. The proposed changes could make it more stringent to obtain exemptions, thus ensuring higher vaccination rates and enhanced community immunity. This shift could be a vital step in protecting public health, particularly in schools where outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases can occur.

Summary

House Bill 05277 proposes amendments to the existing requirements that govern how students may qualify for a temporary waiver from required immunizations. Specifically, the bill aims to alter the rules surrounding the issuance of such waivers, potentially in response to rising public health concerns regarding vaccine coverage among school-aged children. The legislative intent is to balance public health interests with the rights of families seeking exemptions under certain circumstances.

Contention

The bill's introduction has sparked a debate between advocates for public health safety and proponents of parental rights in medical decisions. Supporters of the bill emphasize the necessity for vaccinations, highlighting the risks posed to public health when vaccination rates decline. Conversely, some opponents argue that stricter requirements for waivers might infringe upon personal freedoms and the rights of parents to make healthcare decisions for their children, framing the situation as a question of personal autonomy versus collective safety.