Texas House Bill HB506

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to the establishment and implementation of a school-based influenza vaccination pilot program.

Impact

If enacted, HB 506 could have a significant impact on state health laws by institutionalizing influenza vaccinations within school health policy. The results generated from the pilot program will provide valuable data on the feasibility of expanding the program statewide. The bill requires the participating agencies to analyze costs, benefits, barriers, and impacts on private health care providers, ensuring that the findings contribute to informed legislative action in the future. The implications for public health could be profound, particularly in enhancing vaccination coverage among vulnerable populations.

Summary

House Bill 506 seeks to establish a school-based influenza vaccination pilot program in Texas for the 2009-2010 school year. The program is aimed at improving public health among school-aged children by making influenza vaccinations accessible in schools. The Department of State Health Services and the Texas Education Agency will collaborate to implement the program in selected school districts, focusing on both economically disadvantaged populations and those with lower health access. The bill identifies specific districts based on demographics and economic status, targeting areas that would benefit most from the initiative.

Contention

The bill may encounter concerns from various stakeholders about the implications of implementing a school-based vaccination program. Questions about the potential burden on public health resources, the choices available to parents regarding vaccinations, and the impact on local health providers' practices could arise. Additionally, while the bill targets economically disadvantaged students, there may be debates about the adequacy of resources and support for effectively running such a program, especially in the selected districts identified in the legislation.