Substitute House Bill No. 5044, also known as Public Act No. 26-3, establishes comprehensive new standards for immunization in Connecticut, significantly enhancing the responsibilities of the Commissioner of Public Health. The bill replaces the previous requirement for the commissioner to merely determine immunization standards with a mandate to establish a standard of care based on recommended immunization schedules from authoritative health organizations. It introduces an immunization program that provides vaccines at no cost to healthcare providers, ensures parents receive necessary immunization schedules and educational materials, and assists in identifying and vaccinating children who are behind on their immunizations. Key deletions from current law include the removal of specific recommendations from the national Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices and the term "active" in relation to immunization schedules.

The bill also strengthens immunization requirements for nursing home patients and children in educational settings, mandating adequate immunization against respiratory viral diseases and requiring local education boards to ensure children are immunized before enrollment. It introduces a new certificate format for medical contraindications and clarifies that existing exemptions for children already enrolled in grades K-12 remain valid. Additionally, the bill expands the role of licensed pharmacists in administering vaccines and mandates health insurance policies to cover a list of vaccines. It also modifies regulations for child care centers and family child care homes, ensuring age-appropriate immunizations and establishing protocols for medication administration. Overall, the bill aims to enhance public health measures while accommodating individual medical and religious considerations.

Statutes affected:
Governor's Bill:
PH Joint Favorable Substitute: 52-571b
File No. 405: 52-571b
Public Act No. 26-3: 10-204a, 52-571b