85R8799 RMA-D
By: Turner H.C.R. No. 64
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Vaccinations play an important role in preventing
the contraction and spread of meningococcal disease; more than
1,000 such cases occur in the United States each year, and of those
persons infected, 10 to 15 percent will die, while another 10 to 20
percent will suffer serious complications, including brain or
kidney damage, loss of limbs, and nervous system problems; and
WHEREAS, There are many different strains, or serogroups, of
meningococcal disease, of which B, C, and Y are the most commonly
seen in the United States, and vaccines can help to provide
protection against all three; additionally, the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention recommends vaccination against selected
serogroups; and
WHEREAS, Meningococcal disease, which is spread from person
to person during close or lengthy contact, most commonly affects
individuals from ages 16 to 23; because of low vaccination rates
among young people, several outbreaks of meningitis B have occurred
on college campuses around the country in recent years; the CDC
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that young
adults from ages 16 to 23 consult with a health care professional
about being immunized against serogroup B; and
WHEREAS, Although meningococcal disease is extremely
dangerous, if not fatal, it can be prevented through proper
vaccinations, and a greater awareness of this issue would be
beneficial to the health and well-being of many Texans; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 85th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby recognize the importance of vaccinations in preventing
meningococcal disease and encourage all Texans to learn more about
this vital issue.