FW: Public Hearing on Proposed School Immunization Requirements

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From: Herron,

Sent: Friday, April 25, 2008 9:53 AM

Subject: Public Hearing on Proposed School Immunization Requirements

Importance: High

Notice of Public Meeting on

Proposed Immunization Requirement Rules for

Texas Elementary and Secondary Schools and Institutions of Higher Education

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) will hold a public meeting

to accept comments on proposed rules to amend 25 Texas Administrative Code,

Chapter 97, Subchapter B, §§97.61; 97.63-97.72. This includes adding a middle

school entry requirement for meningococcal vaccine to proposed rules for

adolescents. DSHS has been asked by several stakeholders to consider a

potential Meningococcal vaccine school requirement for all 7th graders. The

proposed rules will be posted at:

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/rulechange.shtm

Public Meeting Information

Monday, May 12, 2008

1:00 p.m. in K-100 (Lecture Hall)

Texas Department of State Health Services

1100 West 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756.

Meningococcal School Vaccine Requirement Requested

DSHS rules that specify immunization requirements for school entry are currently

undergoing the required four-year review. Stakeholders, including the Texas

Medical Association, the Texas Pediatric Society, school nurses, and the

Meningitis Angels (an advocacy group) have requested that DSHS add a middle

school entry requirement for meningococcal vaccine to proposed rules for

adolescents. Since the rules are open for review, this is an appropriate time

to consider this requirement.

Impact of Meningococcal Disease

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) estimates 1,400-2,800 cases

of meningococcal disease occur in the United States annually. Transmission is

from person to person through direct contact with nose and throat secretions. An

infected person can transmit the disease by coughing or sneezing directly into

the face of others, kissing a person on the mouth, or sharing a glass or cup. Of

those diagnosed with meningococcal disease, 10 to 14 percent die. Eleven to 19

percent of survivors have life-long disabilities such as neurological

disability, limb loss, or hearing loss. This disease is communicable, sometimes

debilitating and fatal. However, it is preventable and an effective vaccine is

recommended by the CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices

(ACIP).

Meningococcal Vaccine Availability and Cost

In January 2005, a new meningococcal vaccine (MCV4) was licensed for use among

individuals ages 11-55 years. In June 2007, the recommendation was revised to

include routine vaccination of all persons 11-18 years of age with one MCV4 dose

at the 11-12 year old healthcare visit. [Most 11-12 year olds are in 7th

grade.] The vaccine is currently $68.00 per dose and is a one-dose series.

DSHS Council Consideration

The proposed rules, including the meningococcal school requirement, are expected

to be presented at the DSHS Council meeting scheduled for June 18, 2008 in M-739

of the E. Moreton Building on the DSHS Main Campus.

Should you need additional information about this issue or the public meeting,

please contact the DSHS Government Affairs Unit at 512/458-7263 or via email at:

govtaffairs@...

***********************

Herron

Legislative Liaison

Government Affairs

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)

Center for Consumer and External Affairs

1100 W. 49th St., Moreton-646 (Physical Address)

P.O. Box 149347 - Mail Code 1912 (Mailing Address)

Austin, Texas 78714-9347

512/458-7263 - Main line

512/458-7624 - FAX

govtaffairs@... - Government Affairs Email Address

rebecca.herron@... - Personal Email Address