California Immunization Updates Assembly Bill Jennifer Sterling San Diego Immunization Partnership

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1 California Immunization Updates Assembly Bill 2109 Jennifer Sterling San Diego Immunization Partnership

2 AB 2109 Problem/Background: 1. California is one of 20 states that allows for the broad use of the Personal Belief Exemption (PBEs) from immunizations that are required for children to enter school. 2. In California, obtaining a personal belief exemption is simple parents are only required to sign their name to a 2 sentence standard exemption statement on the back of the California School Immunization Record ( the blue card ) or provide a signed written statement. 3. Some parents sign the exemption statement out of convenience to avoid having to bring their children up-todate with immunizations.

3 What is AB 2109? The California bill would help reduce the risk of disease outbreaks by requiring parents to become informed before opting out Would require a standardized form be signed by both the provider and the parent, verifying that the parent has been informed In lieu of the standardized form, a parent/guardian AND provider may write and sign letters verifying that they received/provided the above information. This bill doesn t take away a parent s right to exempt [his or her child from] immunizations

4 Where is the Bill Today? 02/23/2012 INTRODUCED (Pan) 04/23/2012 Bill Amended 5/10/2012 Bill passed ASSEMBLY 06/20/2012 Bill Amended 08/23/2012 Bill passed the SENATE On the Governor s desk for signature

5 Why do we need this law Personal belief exemptions (PBE) from immunizations are easy to obtain and on the rise in California: PBE Rate in 2000 = less than 1% (public & Private) PBE Rate in 2010 = 2.5% (public & Private) PBE Rate in 2011 = 2.6%* (public & Private) PBE Rates in San Diego County Kindergarten report PBE Rate in 2010 = 3.1% PBE Rate in 2011 = 3.3% (0.2% for medical waiver) PBE Rate in 2011 Private School = 5.7% *includes 0.17% Medical Waiver

6 What s Wrong with Exempting Vaccines Immunized Broken link in the chain of protection Can t be immunized due to certain Health Conditions Immunized Immunized

7 Exemption Impacts - Exemptions can impact communities greatly Exemption can impact children who didn t respond to the vaccines they received-no vaccine is 100% effective Exemption can impact children with medical risks - breaking the chain of herd immunity Exemption can impact children too young to receive vaccines germs get through the broken chain from unimmunized children

8 Current Law vs. AB2109 Currently, parents and guardians who decline vaccines for their children are required to sign an affidavit on the back of the California School Immunization Record (blue card or CSIR) Vs. Provider and parent sign a standardized form documenting education on risks and benefits of vaccines and risk of vaccine preventable diseases. This form is then provided to the school or child care.

9 Are there other Exemptions Available? Yes Children with certain medical conditions may receive temporary or permanent medical exemptions authorized by a provider Children who have already had disease (chickenpox) or other evidence of immunity (blood tests) may receive an exemption from the associated vaccine if authorized/verified by their provider

10 Won t this place a burden on physicians? Healthcare providers already discuss immunizations with parents at routine visits A parent/guardian that is exempting vaccines during a regular scheduled visit is already receiving information to assist them in making an informed decision Since 97% of families in California choose to immunize their children, this bill will affect a small percentage of families in a given practice

11 If the Law Passes, When would the law take affect? The Bill has had 3 amendments. As of 06/20/12, the last amendment to the bill, states that the law would take effect on: January 1, 2014

12 Immunization Resources You Can Use San Diego Immunization Branch California Immunization Coalition Centers for Disease Control and Prevention American Academy of Pediatrics Institute for Vaccine Safety Vaccine Education Center National Network for Immunization Information (NNii)

13 Contact Information Jennifer Sterling School and Childcare Coordinator San Diego County IZ Program Main line: Fax: Website:

14 THANK YOU for everything you do to protect our children, families, and our Community from disease!