Michigan House Bill HB4079

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/23
• Refer: 2/14/23

Caption

Health: immunizations; hepatitis B vaccinations for children; prohibit department from requiring under certain circumstances. Amends sec. 9227 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.9227). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4078'23

Impact

A significant feature of HB 4079 is that it prohibits the Department from enforcing rules that require children to receive the hepatitis B vaccine before specified conditions are met. Specifically, the bill states that no child should be mandated to receive this vaccine until their parent or guardian has received the results of a relevant genetic test concerning the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene variant, or if they opt out, at least 31 days post-birth. This provision is meant to address parental concerns about genetic testing related to vaccination requirements.

Summary

House Bill 4079 proposes amendments to the Public Health Code of Michigan, specifically focusing on vaccination regulations for children. The bill allows the Department of Health to establish rules related to age requirements for immunizations, including commencement ages, number of required doses, and minimum immunization levels for schoolchildren. Moreover, it mandates the expansion of health registries to include additional information, such as records of lead screenings performed on children, enhancing the state's ability to monitor public health outcomes.

Conclusion

Overall, HB 4079 aims to refine the state's vaccination process and incorporate new health metrics while ensuring that parental rights regarding their children's health decisions are respected. The bill's provisions illustrate an ongoing discussion in public health policy about balancing collective health responsibilities with individual freedoms, a theme that resonates in many legislative contexts today.

Contention

The bill has drawn attention and debate regarding the balance between public health initiatives and individual parental rights. Advocates supporting HB 4079 argue that it provides necessary safeguards for parents and promotes informed consent regarding childhood vaccinations. However, critics express concerns that delaying such vaccinations could have adverse effects on public health, particularly in mitigating the spread of diseases that the hepatitis B vaccination would typically help control.