NEWS

from the Illinois Senate

State Senator Susan Garrett

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 29, 2007

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Susan Garrett (847) 433-2002

BILL TO ALLOCATE MERCURY-FREE FLU VACCINE
TO YOUNG CHILDREN SIGNED INTO LAW

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 was signed into law by the governor last week.

Senate Bill 133 requires the Department of Public Health (DPH) to ensure that flu vaccines that are thimerosal-free or contain only trace amounts of thimerosal are directed to 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 affected by this practice. 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 law takes effect January 1, 2008.