Under current law, hospitals are required to offer the influenza vaccine during flu season to inpatients age 65 and older prior to discharge. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now identifies adults age 50 and older as being at increased risk for severe illness and complications from influenza.

That’s why we will soon introduce companion legislation to Senate Bill 196 to expand Pennsylvania’s current influenza vaccine offering requirement from age 65 and older to individuals age 50 and older.

As individuals age, immune systems naturally weaken, and the likelihood of underlying health conditions—such as diabetes, asthma, and cardiovascular disease—increases. Approximately 60% of adults ages 50–64 live with at least one chronic health condition, while 75% of those age 65 and older have one or more chronic conditions. Expanding the vaccine offering to individuals beginning at age 50 aligns Pennsylvania law with current public health guidance and reflects these realities.

This legislation simply requires that the vaccine be offered; patients will continue to have the right to accept or decline for any reason.

Please join us in sponsoring this important public health initiative.