NEWS

from the Illinois Senate

State Senator Susan Garrett

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2007

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Susan Garrett (847) 433-2002

BILL TO ALLOCATE MERCURY-FREE FLU VACCINE TO
YOUNG CHILDREN PASSES SENATE

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois – Legislation introduced by State Senator Susan Garrett (D-Lake Forest ) that would direct the limited supply of mercury-free influenza vaccine to children ages 0 to 3 passed the Senate unanimously last week.

Senate Bill 133 mandates the Department of Public Health (DPH) to implement a policy to preferentially disburse flu vaccines that are thimerosal-free or contain only trace amounts of thimerosal for the immunization of children under the age of 3 who are participants in the Vaccines for Children program, if the supply of vaccines to health care providers is not hindered by the exercise of this preference. Thimerosal is a mercury-based preservative used in the manufacture of many vaccines.

SB 133 will also require DPH to annually notify health care providers concerning the requirements of the Mercury-Free Vaccine Act and will mandate DPH to inform health care providers concerning the availability of flu vaccines and the most effective time for individuals to be vaccinated.

“It’s important for both parents and health care providers to have accurate information on the vaccines young children are receiving. Parents need to be able to make informed decisions, and this bill will make it easier for parents to ensure that their children receive mercury-free vaccines if they wish,” said Senator Garrett.

The bill now awaits approval in the Illinois House of Representatives.