Missoula County opposes HB 574, Prohibit implementation/enforcement of immunization not approved by legislature, up for hearing Monday morning in House Judiciary. As foster children are legally in the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services, the state is liable for their health and well-being. Removing immunization requirements for placement of children increases the risk for all children in foster care, especially young children not yet old enough to receive vaccines and those with medical conditions barring them immunization. Vaccinations also protect this already vulnerable population from serious diseases, and allowing foster families to decline immunizations could lead to medical neglect of children in state custody, opening the door to lawsuits. Many children come to foster care with incomplete immunization records, making it vital that they are placed in as safe as an environment as possible. Vaccines are among the most cost-effective services available, and, as the recent measles outbreak in nearby Washington demonstrates, broadening the scope of exemptions increases the possibility of vulnerable populations contracting preventable diseases that can result in hospitalization or death.
Missoula County opposes HB 574, Prohibit implementation/enforcement of immunization not approved by legislature, on the House floor tomorrow morning. As foster children are legally in the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services, the state is liable for their health and well-being. Removing immunization requirements for placement of children increases the risk for all children in foster care, especially young children not yet old enough to receive vaccines and those with medical conditions barring them immunization. Vaccinations also protect this already vulnerable population from serious diseases, and allowing foster families to decline immunizations could lead to medical neglect of children in state custody, opening the door to lawsuits. Many children come to foster care with incomplete immunization records, making it vital that they are placed in as safe as an environment as possible. Vaccines are among the most cost-effective services available, and, as the recent measles outbreak in nearby Washington demonstrates, broadening the scope of exemptions increases the possibility of vulnerable populations contracting preventable diseases that can result in hospitalization or death.
Sent Feb. 22:
ReplyDeleteRepresentatives Morigeau and Keogh,
Missoula County opposes HB 574, Prohibit implementation/enforcement of immunization not approved by legislature, up for hearing Monday morning in House Judiciary. As foster children are legally in the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services, the state is liable for their health and well-being. Removing immunization requirements for placement of children increases the risk for all children in foster care, especially young children not yet old enough to receive vaccines and those with medical conditions barring them immunization. Vaccinations also protect this already vulnerable population from serious diseases, and allowing foster families to decline immunizations could lead to medical neglect of children in state custody, opening the door to lawsuits. Many children come to foster care with incomplete immunization records, making it vital that they are placed in as safe as an environment as possible. Vaccines are among the most cost-effective services available, and, as the recent measles outbreak in nearby Washington demonstrates, broadening the scope of exemptions increases the possibility of vulnerable populations contracting preventable diseases that can result in hospitalization or death.
Please oppose HB 574.
Sent 2/27:
ReplyDeleteRepresentatives,
Missoula County opposes HB 574, Prohibit implementation/enforcement of immunization not approved by legislature, on the House floor tomorrow morning. As foster children are legally in the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services, the state is liable for their health and well-being. Removing immunization requirements for placement of children increases the risk for all children in foster care, especially young children not yet old enough to receive vaccines and those with medical conditions barring them immunization. Vaccinations also protect this already vulnerable population from serious diseases, and allowing foster families to decline immunizations could lead to medical neglect of children in state custody, opening the door to lawsuits. Many children come to foster care with incomplete immunization records, making it vital that they are placed in as safe as an environment as possible. Vaccines are among the most cost-effective services available, and, as the recent measles outbreak in nearby Washington demonstrates, broadening the scope of exemptions increases the possibility of vulnerable populations contracting preventable diseases that can result in hospitalization or death.
Please oppose HB 574.