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Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
1. Identify the key steps in garanering support/opposition to legislation.
2. Identify resources to help in working with legislation.
Background:
Legislation mandating hepatitis A and/or B vaccination now exists in 49 states and has been largely responsible for the increase in vaccination rates. More recent legislative bills have focused on restricting access to vaccines that contains thimerosal. If enacted, these types of mandates could threaten overall vaccination rates and ultimately, result in the recurrence of some vaccine-preventable diseases. Two states, Iowa and California, enacted such legislation in 2004. In 2005, similar bills were introduced in more than 20 state legislatures.
Thimerosal is a preservative that has been used in the manufacturing of vaccines since the 1930s. The supporters of these anti-thimerosal bills contend that the ethylmercury in thimerosal has been responsible for the increase in autism over the last several decades, thus ignoring the results of scientific studies that have failed to show this association.
Methods:
In order to be effective in assuring the passage or defeat of legislative initiatives, strategies must be developed and carefully implemented. Primary among these is the need to partner with key organizations and groups, prepare informational materials for legislators and other policy makers, and develop frequent communication with supporters.
Results:
During 2005, materials were developed by Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) staff and shared with health department staff in states that had bills introduced in their state legislatures. These materials were posted on the IAC website and included a guide on how to work with a legislature, simple fact sheets, examples of letters of support, scientific information, and others.
Conclusions:
Public health professionals will become aware of the steps needed to assure the desired outcome of legislation that may help or hinder their program goals.
See more of Poster Session #2
See more of The 2005 National Viral Hepatitis Prevention Conference