Bill Text: MS SC565 | 2015 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: Recognize public and private health providers in Mississippi for highest kindergarten vaccination rates nationwide.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 15-6)
Status: (Failed) 2015-04-02 - Died On Calendar [SC565 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2015-SC565-Engrossed.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2015 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Jackson (11th), Ward, Butler (36th), Butler (38th), Carmichael, Chassaniol, Bryan, Browning, Dawkins, Frazier, Hale, Horhn, Jackson (32nd), Jones, Lee, Norwood, Simmons (13th), Stone, Tollison, Blount, Doty
Senate Concurrent Resolution 565
(As Adopted by Senate)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HEALTH PROVIDERS IN MISSISSIPPI FOR HAVING THE HIGHEST NATIONAL KINDERGARTEN VACCINATION RATES.
WHEREAS, Mississippi has the highest rate of vaccination coverage for kindergarten students nationwide, according to a recent report published by the CDC; and
WHEREAS, the 45,719 kindergarten students enrolled in public and private kindergarten classrooms throughout the state during the 2013-2014 school year had 99.7% vaccination coverage, greater than the national median of 93.3—95% for the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine; the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTap); and the varicella vaccine; and
WHEREAS, immunizations against childhood diseases are required by Mississippi law in order to enter school, Head Start or day care. Specific vaccinations are also recommended for students entering high school or college; and
WHEREAS, the Mississippi State Department of Health, rural health clinics and local physicians provide all necessary immunizations at low cost. Immunizations are free if the person qualifies for the Vaccines for Children Program; and
WHEREAS, Mississippi requires five different vaccines to be administered prior to entering First Grade. Childhood immunizations are recommended from birth through 18 months, with other vaccinations possible up to 18 years of age. Vaccinations targeted specifically to adolescents and teenagers include those against meningococcal disease and HPV. Those entering high school and college should be protected against hepatitis and meningococcal disease; and
WHEREAS, the MSDH grants all requests for medical exemptions submitted by a licensed Mississippi pediatrician, family physician or internist. Mississippi is one of 31 states that does not allow philosophical exemptions for children attending school or day care. The Mississippi Supreme Court deemed religious exemptions unconstitutional in 1979. "Vaccines not only protect the children who are vaccinated, but also protect those around them who may be too young to be fully immunized or those with weakened immune systems," said Dr. Currier; and
WHEREAS, "We continue to be very proud of our vaccination rates," said MSDH State Health Officer Dr. Mary Currier. "Mississippi's strong school entry immunization law is protecting Mississippi residents from outbreaks of measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases that other states have experienced"; and
WHEREAS, for U.S. children born between 1994 and 2013, immunizations are estimated to prevent more than 300 million illnesses, 21 million hospitalizations and 732,000 deaths:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize public and private health providers in Mississippi for having the highest national kindergarten vaccination rates.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to State Health Officer Dr. Mary Currier, forwarded to the State Board of Health and the Rural Health Clinics Association for distribution to the county health departments, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
