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SS/SCS/SBs 74 & 49 - The act prohibits immunizations containing mercury preservatives after April 1, 2007. Any immunizations administered to knowingly pregnant women or children under three years of age or pregnant women shall not contain more than 1 microgram of mercury per 0.5-milliliter dose. Beginning April 1, 2007, insurers, health service corporations, or health maintenance organizations who provide coverage for immunizations on a fee schedule or a percentage reimbursement basis shall reimburse at the same rate for immunizations not containing mercury. The Director of the Department of Health and Senior Services shall exempt the use of a vaccine from compliance with this act if the director finds, and the governor concurs, that an actual or potential public health emergency exists, including an epidemic, outbreak or shortage for which there does not exist a sufficient supply of vaccine that complies this act that would prevent knowingly pregnant or children less than three years of age from receiving the vaccine. The director shall determine the duration of such exemption. The act also provides that notwithstanding any other provision in the law to the contrary, no one will be compelled to receive a vaccine that does not comply with the mercury limits in this act. This act is similar to SCS/HB 852 (2004). ADRIANE CROUSE
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