By J. Lyn Carl, GalleryWatch.com
Austin, TX – Immunizations for Texas children are the thrust of a legislative package announced today by Sen. Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo). It is an issue that is close to the senator's heart after she passed legislations in 1993 that led to the "Shots Across Texas" program to provide age-appropriate immunizations for Texas children.
Zaffirini said at a press conference today that the program has been "highly successful in some areas, but not successful enough."
Her package of legislation, which will be carried in the House by Rep. Jaime Capelo (D-Corpus Christi), includes Senate bills 38, 39, 40, 41 and 43.
SB 38, said Zaffirini, will increase vaccinations for Texas children. It also requires the Texas Department of Health (TDH) to participate through an education program. Although there is a fiscal note attached to the bill, Zaffirini said the actual costs have yet to be determined.
SB 39 changes the immunization registry from opt-in to opt-out, said Zaffirini, which will result in a more "complete and up-to-date" program.
SB 40 focuses on immunization education, SB 41 expands the requirements of vaccine coverage and SB 43 requires TDH to report to the State Legislature on its education program related to immunizations. SB 43 has already passed the Senate.
Zaffirini said the bills have the support of providers and experts who helped produce the language. She cited support from the Texas Medical Association, the Texas Society of Pediatrics, the Texas Academy of Family Physicians and the Texas Academy of Internal Medicine Services.
The Laredo Democrat said the primary focus will be on the fiscal note and that she will "prioritize seeking that funding." Zaffirini serves as vice chair of the powerful Senate Finance Committee.
Noting that Texas ranks 42nd among the 50 states in age-appropriate vaccinations, Zaffirini noted, "That's not good enough. We have got to do better."
Calling SB 66 in 1993 a "giant step forward," the Laredo senator said the goal should be 100 percent age-appropriate immunization of Texas children. "It is an investment," she said.
"For every dollar we spend for age-appropriate immunizations," she said, "we save money in the long run." She noted as immunization rates increase, disease rates decrease.
Capelo praise Zaffirini for "her legacy or work with regards to health care" and said the legislature has tried desperately over recent sessions to put together a legislative package that "makes sense for Texas."
Not only will it improve the health of Texas children, said Capelo, but it also will increase the economic health of the state.
Both Zaffirini and Capelo expressed confidence that the legislative package will pass both the House and the Senate.
Education will continue to be key to the success of an immunization program, said the legislators. It is important, they noted, that parents, providers and communities are made aware of specific immunization scheduled. They said better information is "critical."