Maryland House Bill HB1189

Maryland 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/11/22
• Refer: 2/11/22

Caption

Public Health - Vaccines Administered Under Emergency Use Authorization - Reporting of Adverse Events

Impact

If enacted, HB1189 will amend existing public health laws to require systematic reporting of adverse events linked to emergency use authorized vaccines. This move will likely lead to increased scrutiny of vaccine safety and could influence public perception of vaccination efforts. Health care providers will have a legal obligation to report these incidents, potentially impacting how vaccine-related health issues are addressed in clinical practices. The bill's implementation is planned for October 1, 2022, providing a timeline for health providers to adapt to the new requirements.

Summary

House Bill 1189 is a public health bill that mandates health care providers to report any adverse events occurring after the administration of vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, which have been authorized for emergency use. This bill seeks to strengthen the monitoring of vaccines by ensuring that any health complications or negative outcomes experienced by patients following vaccination are documented and reported to the national Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), overseen by the CDC and FDA. It is intended to enhance transparency and safety concerning vaccine administration in the state.

Contention

The introduction and provisions of HB1189 may spark debates regarding vaccine safety and efficacy. Proponents argue that mandatory reporting of adverse events will foster a culture of safety and enhance the public's trust in vaccinations during health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. However, critics could raise concerns about the potential implications of heightened reporting requirements on vaccination rates and public health initiatives, fearing that it might dissuade individuals from seeking vaccinations due to fears of wrongful associations between vaccines and reported adverse effects.