Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB138

Caption

Relating to the vaccination against bacterial meningitis of public school students.

Impact

The implementation of SB138 will have significant effects on the statutes governing vaccination requirements within the Texas Education Code. Specifically, the introduction of this law will mandate that schools verify vaccination status before students can enroll, effectively enhancing the health security within educational environments. By establishing clear guidelines and timelines for compliance, the state aims to ensure that children are protected against preventable diseases, thereby fostering a safer atmosphere in schools and safeguarding public health at a community level.

Summary

Senate Bill 138 is aimed at enhancing public health standards in Texas by implementing a mandatory vaccination program against bacterial meningitis for public school students. The bill stipulates that each student must be fully immunized with a quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine, including a booster dose, following the immunization schedule set by the Texas Department of State Health Services. This requirement is intended to increase the overall immunity within the student population and reduce the incidence of bacterial meningitis in schools, which is particularly important due to the potential severity of this infection among adolescents and young adults.

Contention

While the bill is primarily a health initiative, it has faced some opposition regarding mandatory vaccination policies. Critics argue that such requirements infringe on personal freedoms and parental rights to make healthcare decisions for their children. Supporters of the bill contend that the benefits of mandatory vaccinations far outweigh concerns about personal choice, citing public health data and the potential for outbreaks of bacterial meningitis in unvaccinated populations. The debate centers on balancing public health needs with individual rights, a common contention in vaccination discussions.

Companion Bills

TX HB591

Same As Relating to the vaccination against bacterial meningitis of public school students.

Previously Filed As

TX SB641

Relating to the vaccination against bacterial meningitis of public school students.

TX HB1419

Relating to the repeal of certain limitations on bacterial meningitis vaccination exemptions for students at institutions of higher education.

TX SB1026

Relating to prohibited COVID-19 vaccine mandates and vaccination status discrimination.

TX SB1177

Relating to required immunizations for children and primary or secondary school students.

TX SB1024

Relating to preventative health care and public health, including prohibited immunization and face-covering requirements and private business or school closures.

TX HB1032

Relating to prohibited vaccination status discrimination and requirements for COVID-19 vaccines.

TX HB1105

Relating to preventative health care and public health, including prohibited immunization and face-covering requirements, private business or school closures, and the ordering and administration of immunizations by a pharmacist.

TX SB308

Relating to prohibited vaccination status discrimination and requirements for COVID-19 vaccines; authorizing administrative penalties.

TX SB41

Relating to prohibited vaccination status discrimination and requirements for COVID-19 vaccines; authorizing administrative penalties.

TX HB777

Relating to prohibiting face covering mandates for public school students, prohibiting public schools from requiring students to provide documentation regarding certain vaccinations, and allowing public schools to screen students regarding certain infections.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.