23 LC 112 1539
S. R. 304
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Senate Resolution 304
By: Senators Watson of the 1st, Hatchett of the 50th, Hodges of the 3rd, Kirkpatrick of the
32nd, Brass of the 28th and others
A RESOLUTION
Supporting the inclusion of new RSV immunization technologies, including vaccines and
1
monoclonal antibodies, within the federal VFC program; and for other purposes.2
WHEREAS, RSV is a highly transmissible seasonal virus that can have severe and3
unpredictable outcomes for infants, including hospitalization; and4
WHEREAS, nearly all children will be infected with RSV by age two, and most infants5
requiring hospitalization were previously healthy and born at term; and6
WHEREAS, RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization among infants in the United States;7
and8
WHEREAS, RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small9
airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) in children younger than one10
year of age in the United States; and11
WHEREAS, the current RSV season has resulted in significant morbidity and increased12
mortality; and13 23 LC 112 1539
S. R. 304
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WHEREAS, in the United States, RSV infections typically occur during late fall, winter, and
14
early spring, meaning urgent preparation is needed; and15
WHEREAS, monoclonal antibodies for RSV show promise for preventative protection16
against RSV; and17
WHEREAS, RSV disproportionally affects infants with Medicaid coverage, Native18
Americans, and Alaskan Natives; and19
WHEREAS, the Vaccines For Children (VFC) program is a federally funded program that20
provides vaccines at no cost to children who might not otherwise be vaccinated because of21
inability to pay; and22
WHEREAS, VFC coverage is critical to ensure equity and access for all infants in order to23
have the greatest impact on disease burden.24
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body25
support the inclusion of new RSV immunization technologies, including vaccines and26
monoclonal antibodies, within the federal VFC program.27
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed28
to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the public and the29
press. 30