Connecticut House Bill HB06515

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/19
• Refer: 1/28/19

Caption

An Act Requiring Hospitals To Offer The Influenza Vaccine To Senior Citizens Prior To Their Discharge.

Impact

If enacted, HB 06515 would require hospitals to amend their discharge procedures to include a specific protocol for offering the influenza vaccine, thereby integrating this health measure into standard hospital practices for the elderly. As a result, hospitals will have to ensure that they have sufficient vaccine supplies and may need to allocate resources for staff training concerning the vaccination process and its administration. This requirement could potentially lead to higher vaccination rates among senior citizens, which is anticipated to reduce the incidence of influenza-related complications in this demographic.

Summary

House Bill 06515 aims to enhance public health by mandating that hospitals offer influenza vaccinations to all patients aged 65 and older prior to their discharge during flu season. The bill stipulates that the vaccination must be offered from October 1st to March 1st annually, ensuring that elderly patients have access to this critical preventive measure before they leave the hospital. The initiative recognizes the increased vulnerability of senior citizens to influenza and its potential complications, making timely immunization vital for their health and safety.

Contention

While the bill has strong public health intentions, there could be points of contention regarding the enforcement and practical implementation of this mandate. Concerns may arise about whether hospitals can comply with the new requirement, especially in terms of vaccine availability and logistical challenges during peak flu season. Furthermore, exemptions are permitted for patients for whom the vaccine is contraindicated, raising questions about how hospitals will determine eligibility and communicate these options effectively to patients and their families.