(House version of Massachusetts Pandemic Bill, S. 2028)
AMENDMENT NO. 1 FILED: 10/7/2009 3:24:48 PM FOR H. 4271
Representatives Bradley of Hingham and L’ltalien of Andover move to amend H.4271, after Section 4, in line 102, by inserting the following section:—
SECTION 4A.
Chapter 111 of the General Laws, is hereby amended by inserting after section 5 A the following section-
Section 5A 1/2.
(a) The department and, any health care provider, as defined in section 1, shall not administer,
or allow to be administered, any vaccine, including the influenza vaccine, to any person who is
knowingly pregnant or under the age of three that contains more than trace amounts of mercury.
For the purpose of this act, a trace amount is that amount as determined by the United States
Food and Drug Administration.
(b) The Commissioner may declare an exemption for the department and health care providers
from this section if he or she determines that there is an epidemic, an emergency or that, after
diligent efforts to obtain the mercury free vaccines, or vaccine containing no more than trace
amounts of mercury, there is a shortage of the mercury-free vaccine or vaccine containing no
more than trace amounts of mercury. In such a case, a 12 month exemption shall be sought.
The Commissioner may seek a second 12 month exemption should he or she determine that
said epidemic, emergency, or shortage persists. All health care providers who administer to any
child or adult, vaccinations subject to federal oversight, must be in compliance with the National
Childhood Vaccine Injury Act (42 U.S.C. §300aa-26).
(c) This law shall take effect on December 31, 2010.
(d) On or before October 1, 2010, the Commissioner, in consultation with representatives from
the Massachusetts Medical Society and the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy
of Pediatrics, shall send a report to the Governor, the Joint Committee on Public Health, the
Speaker of the House, and the Senate President regarding any issues with the implementation
of this law, including any changes, if any, needed to amend existing sections of the
Massachusetts General Laws relating to the purchase, procurement, or administration of
vaccines.
(e) The department shall promulgate regulations to carry out the provisions of this section.
J:\HouseAmendments\H4271\H4271-001.doc
