Bill > H2151

This bill, titled "Promoting Community Immunity," aims to improve immunization rates and herd immunity in the state. Key provisions include: 1. Requiring all schools and institutions of higher learning to comply with immunization requirements established in a new Chapter 111P of the General Laws. 2. Allowing for two types of exemptions: medical and religious. The bill outlines the procedures for obtaining and reviewing these exemptions through the Department of Public Health. 3. Mandating annual reporting of immunization and exemption rates by covered programs (e.g., schools, childcare facilities) to the Department of Public Health, which will then publish this data publicly. 4. Designating certain covered programs as "elevated risk" if they have not achieved herd immunity or fail to report immunization data, and requiring these programs to notify families and organize informational sessions. 5. Directing the Department of Public Health to conduct outreach and provide informational materials on the importance of immunizations, particularly in underserved communities. 6. Requiring the collection and reporting of data on immunizations administered during declared public health emergencies, with a focus on key demographic and socioeconomic indicators. The bill aims to promote community immunity and protect vulnerable populations by increasing transparency, facilitating informed decision-making, and addressing gaps in vaccination coverage.