05-R 365

2005 -- S 0471 SUBSTITUTE A

Enacted 06/30/05

S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

REQUESTING THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO ESTABLISH AN ADULT VACCINE PROGRAM

Introduced By: Senators Roberts, Paiva-Weed, Perry, and Sheehan

Date Introduced: February 10, 2005

     WHEREAS, There are numerous vaccines to prevent specific illnesses that contribute to

mortality and morbidity of adults in the United States; and

     WHEREAS, Low rates of vaccination against certain diseases lead to unnecessary deaths,

excess hospitalizations, and an unnecessary spread of diseases; and

     WHEREAS, According to the US Centers for Disease Control, the influenza virus is

responsible for 20,000 to 40,000 deaths annually, and is responsible for an estimated 200,000

excess hospitalizations annually at a cost of $750 million to $1 billion during the epidemic years

in the United States; and

     WHEREAS, Under-utilization of the vaccine is also the result of lack of knowledge and

confusion about the safety of adult vaccines and lack of an organized and universal method of

delivery and reimbursement for the vaccinations; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby respectfully requests that the Rhode Island Department of Health establish an adult

vaccine program in order to save lives and reduce hospitalizations; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this resolution is intended to foster the requisite cooperation among

insurers and providers to increase adult vaccine rates; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this Senate further requests that the Department of Health report to the

general assembly by November 1, 2005 on the necessary funding and administrative mechanisms

required to implement an adult vaccine program to be in effect and available for the autumn of

2006, commencing with the provision of influenza vaccine; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Director of the Rhode Island Department of

Health.      

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LC01892/SUB A

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