Louisiana House Bill HB468

Louisiana 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/20
• Refer: 2/28/20
• Refer: 3/9/20

Caption

Provides relative to coroner reports on vaccine adverse events

Impact

The legislation is expected to strengthen public health responses to infant deaths that may be linked to vaccinations and increase the awareness of potential vaccine-related adverse events among health authorities. By defining clear reporting requirements, HB 468 seeks to ensure timely investigations into infant deaths, particularly in cases where vaccinations might be involved. This could lead to more informed public health policies and vaccine safety monitoring, supporting better health outcomes for children.

Summary

House Bill 468 amends existing legislation regarding the duties of coroners in Louisiana by requiring them to notify the parish health unit of specific death circumstances and to report adverse vaccine events. This bill specifically adds Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) to the list of situations in which a coroner is mandated to notify health officials, alongside the already recognized Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Additionally, it obligates coroners to file a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) report in cases where an infant dies within 30 days of their last vaccination, thereby aiming to enhance the monitoring of potential vaccine-related fatalities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be supportive among public health advocates who see it as necessary for improving the tracking of vaccine-related adverse events. However, there may be contention among some groups who could perceive increased regulatory requirements as unnecessary or as an implication of distrust in vaccines. Overall, the bill reflects a growing concern over vaccine safety and emphasizes the importance of thorough investigations in infant mortality cases.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill may arise from differing perspectives on vaccine safety. Some legislators and public health officials advocate for these measures to improve accountability and reporting, while opponents might voice concerns regarding the implications of associating infant mortality with vaccinations. The requirement for coroners to report to the VAERS could also raise debates on the balance between vaccine advocacy and essential safety monitoring.