Status of Local, State and Federal Mercury Product Legislation and Laws
2007-2008 Legislative Sessions
June 11 – 21, 2007
Arkansas
SB 911 is a bill to Prohibit or reduce the amount of mercury in childhood vaccines. Introduced on March 5, 2007 and referred to the Committee on Public Health, Welfare and Labor. Three amendments have been offered, it has been engrossed and re-referred to the Committee on Public Health, Welfare and Labor.
http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/2007/scripts/ablr/bills/bills.asp?billno=SB911
California- *nothing new relating to vaccines
Article 9. Mercury-containing Vaccines 124172. (a) Except for an influenza vaccine described in
subdivision (b), on and after July 1, 2006, a person who is knowingly pregnant or who is under three years of age shall not be vaccinated with a mercury-containing vaccine or injected with a mercury-containing
product that contains more than 0.5 micrograms of mercury per 0.5 milliliter dose.
(b) On and after July 1, 2006, a person who is knowingly pregnant or who is under three years of age shall not be vaccinated with a mercury-containing influenza vaccine that contains more than 1.0 microgram of mercury per 0.5 milliliter dose.
Connecticut
HB 6895 would require dental plans to provide equivalent or greater coverage for nonmercury or composite dental fillings. Introduced January 22, 2007 and referred to the Joint Committee on Insurance and Real Estate.
http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=6895&which_year=2007
http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/Search.asp
Delaware
HB 194 allows the use of mercury-containing vaccines for children less than 8 years of age or to pregnant women when an emergency occurs as declared by the Director of the Division of Public Health, or when there is no mercury-free vaccine manufactured or available for a specific disease. Introduced on June 12, 2007, it was referred to the Health and Human Development Committee, which reported it out favorably. Substitute amendment HS 1 was offered on June 20, 2007 and it was re-referred to this committee.
http://www.legis.state.de.us/LIS/lis144.nsf/vwLegislation/HS+1+for+HB+194/$file/legis.html?open
http://www.legis.state.de.us/LEGISLATURE.NSF?open
Current-Except for vaccines for influenza, no vaccine containing more than a trace amount of mercury shall be made available to a medical provider in this State for administration to children under eight years of age or to pregnant women.
This section shall not apply to vaccines administered during declared states of emergency or epidemics.”
Section 1. of this Act shall become effective on January 1, 2006.
This section shall not apply to vaccines administered during declared states of emergency or epidemics.”
shall become effective on January 1, 2007.
No vaccine containing mercury shall be made available to a medical provider in this State for administration to children under eight years of age or to pregnant women.
No vaccine containing mercury shall be administered by a medical provider in this State to a child who is under eight years of age or to a pregnant woman, notwithstanding the expiration date thereof.
This section shall not apply to vaccines administered during declared states of emergency or epidemics.” become effective on January 1, 2008.
Florida
SB 222 is an act relating to immunizations; prohibiting vaccinating a woman who is knowingly pregnant or a child who is younger than a specified age with a vaccine that contains any mercury or injecting such a woman or child with a product that contains more than a specified amount of mercury; prohibiting vaccinating a woman who is knowingly pregnant or a child under a specified age with an influenza vaccine that contains more than a specified amount of mercury; providing the effective date of such prohibitions; providing for the State Health Officer to authorize the use of vaccines that contain a greater amount of mercury than is otherwise allowed if the Secretary of Health declares a public health emergency and makes certain findings; providing exceptions to the prohibition following disclosure regarding certain risks and benefits; providing an effective date. Introduced December 14, 2006, referred to the Committee on Health Regulation. Withdrawn on January 23, 2007.
http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/index.cfm?Mode=Bills&SubMenu=1&BI_Mode=ViewBillInfo&BillNum=0222
Hawaii- The Hawaii legislature is now adjourned and did not adopt any of the following legislation.
HB 1816. From July 1, 2007, prohibits persons known to be pregnant or under age 5 from being vaccinated with (1) a mercury-containing vaccine containing more than 0.5 micrograms of mercury per 0.5 milliliter dose; and (2) influenza vaccine containing more than 1.0 microgram of mercury per 0.5 milliliter dose Allows certain exemptions. Introduced on January 24, 2007 and referred to the Committee on Health, and the Committee on Judiciary.
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessioncurrent/Bills/HB1816_.htm
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/site1/docs/getstatus2.asp?billno=HB1816
Illinois
SB 133 amends the state’s mercury free vaccine act and provides that the Department of Public Health shall implement a policy to distribute, preferentially, influenza vaccines that are thimerosal-free or contain only trace amounts of thimerosal for the immunization of children under the age of 3 who are participating in the Vaccines for Children program, provided that the supply of influenza vaccines to health care providers is not impeded by the exercise of this preference. Provides that the Department shall annually communicate this policy to the General Assembly and health care providers. Provides that upon issuing an exemption from the Act, the Department shall remind health care providers to distribute, preferentially, influenza vaccines that are thimerosal-free or contain only trace amounts of thimerosal for the immunization of children under the age of 3, provided that the supply of influenza vaccines to health care providers is not impeded by the exercise of this preference. Provides that the Department shall annually notify health care providers about the requirements of the Act and encourage health care providers to increase immunization rates among persons who are recommended to receive influenza immunization, using all licensed vaccines, with preference given to influenza vaccines that are thimerosal-free or contain only trace amounts of thimerosal. Provides that the Department shall include this annual notification on its Internet web site. Provides that the Department shall annually report to the General Assembly, on or before December 31, on its efforts to inform health care providers about thimerosal-free vaccines. Provides that the Department of Public Health shall notify health care providers about the availability of influenza vaccines and the most effective time for persons to be vaccinated. Adopted by both houses, as of May 30, 2007.
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=0133&GAID=9&DocTypeID=SB&LegID=27356&SessionID=51&GA=95
Current- Mercury Ban not in effect until 2008 however on Mar 04, 2006- the Illinois Department of Public Health has declared 4 vaccines with high levels of mercury exempt from the law.
Illinois passed landmark legislation that limits mercury levels in vaccines to 1.25 micrograms per dose by the first of this year and eliminates mercury all together by January 1st 2008, the Illinois Department of Public Health has issued a declaration of exemption which allows four vaccines to exceed the limit. In addition to the flu vaccine, the diphtheria-tetanus, Japanese encephalitis and meningitis vaccines are also exempted from the law.
The Illinois Department of Public Health claims the mercury-free versions of these vaccines are either too expensive, in short supply or non-existent, hence they have allowed thimerosal, the mercury-laden preservative in these vaccines to persist.
Indiana
HB 1361 requires that before a person administers a vaccine that contains more than a trace amount of mercury, the person must inform the person who will be vaccinated that there are alternatives to mercury preserved vaccines. Allows the state department of health to suspend this requirement during a public health emergency or an epidemic. Provides that a health care practitioner may be subject to disciplinary sanctions for failing to comply with these requirements. Introduced on January 16, 2007, and referred to Committee on Public Health.
http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/2007/IN/IN1361.1.html
http://www.in.gov/apps/lsa/session/billwatch/billinfo?year=2007&session=1&request=getBill&docno=1361
Iowa
The Iowa Legislature is now adjourned and did not adopt either of the two mercury product bills that were introduced.
HF 515 would require testing of vaccines to determine the amount of mercury that they contain, and that beginning July 1, 2008, a drug or vaccine administered in this state shall not contain more than trace amounts of mercury, and beginning July 1, 2010, a drug or vaccine administered in this state shall not contain any amount of mercury. Introduced on February 23, 2007, and referred to Human Resources Committee.
http://www.legis.state.ia.us/
Current-Beginning January 1, 2006, immunizations administered in this state shall not contain more than trace amounts of mercury. The prohibition under this section shall not apply to early childhood immunizations for influenza or in times of emergency or epidemic as determined by the director of public health.
Kansas
SB 1 says that no person who is eight years of age or younger or who is knowingly pregnant shall be vaccinated in this state with a vaccine containing more than 0.5 micrograms of mercury per 0.5 milliliter dose. Introduced January 8, 2007, it is now in the Public Health and Welfare Committee; a hearing was scheduled for March 22, 2007. However, according to the schedule for legislation, this bill is now dead.
http://www.kslegislature.org/bills/2008/1.pdf
http://www.kslegislature.org/legsrv-billtrack/index.do
Maine
The Maine Legislature has adjourned and adopted three mercury product bills into law.
LD 637 requires the elimination of mercury in dental offices over a 3-year period, and requires dental schools to include in their curricula by January 2008 the risks of exposure to mercury. Dental offices are to post in the office the disclosure statement published by the Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Health on the risks of having mercury fillings. Introduced on February 28, 2007, it is listed as being dead.
http://janus.state.me.us/legis/LawMakerWeb/summary.asp?LD=637
LD 1446. Beginning January 1, 2008, this bill prohibits the use of more than trace amounts of mercury or thimerosal in any immunizing agent for administration to children under 8 years of age and to pregnant women. It imposes requirements for labeling and written information packaged with the immunizing agent. It provides for an exemption if the Commissioner of Health and Human Services determines that an immunizing agent containing more than a trace amount is necessary due to an actual or potential bioterrorist incident or public health emergency. The bill also directs the department to develop a plan to ensure that all immunizing agents are mercury-free and thimerosal-free, including considering the requirement of the use of single-dose immunizing agents. Introduced on March 15, 2007 and referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services by both houses. It is listed as being dead.
http://janus.state.me.us/legis/LawMakerWeb/summary.asp?LD=1446
LD 1523. Beginning January 1, 2008, this bill prohibits the use of more than trace amounts of a heavy metal, including mercury or thimerosal, in any immunizing agent for administration to a person in this State. It imposes requirements for labeling and written information packaged with the immunizing agent. It provides for an exemption if the Commissioner of Health and Human Services determines that an immunizing agent containing more than a trace amount is necessary due to an actual or potential bioterrorist incident or public health emergency. The bill also directs the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a plan to ensure that all immunizing agents are free of heavy metals, including mercury and thimerosal, including considering the requirement of the use of single-dose immunizing agents. Introduced on March 20, 2007 and referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services by both houses. Listed as dead.
http://janus.state.me.us/legis/LawMakerWeb/summary.asp?LD=1523
Maryland
SB 902 requires an individual to be vaccinated with a vaccine containing less than a specified amount of mercury per dose on or after January 1, 2009, unless vaccines that meet the requirement are not readily available or appropriate.. Introduced February 22, 2007 and referred to the Rules Committee.
http://mlis.state.md.us/2007rs/billfile/sb0902.htm
Massachusetts
Petition 2115 relates to prohibiting the use of certain vaccines and serums containing mercury and is scheduled to have a hearing on June 13, 2007.
http://www.mass.gov/legis/185history/h02115.htm
Michigan
SB 412 says that state agencies shall, to the extent possible, avoid the purchase of products with mercury in them if non-mercury alternatives exist. Introduced on April 18, 2007; adopted unanimously by the Senate on May 15, 2007 and sent to the House, where it was referred to the Committee on Great Lakes and the Environment.
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(dvqpoimxxowgof45mq3pnz45))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=2007-SB-0412
Minnesota
HF 0470 is a companion to SF 0746 and would require patient notification when a vaccine contains more than a
trace amount of mercury. Introduced on February 1, 2007 and referred to the Health and Human Services Committee.
http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/revisor/pages/search_status/status_detail.php?b=House&f=HF0470&ssn=0&y=2007
HF 1917 is a companion to SF 1780, providing a preference for a mercury-free vaccines preference established. Introduced on March 12, 2007 and referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services.
http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/revisor/pages/search_status/status_detail.php?b=House&f=HF1917&ssn=0&y=2007
HF 2350 would prohibit the use of mercury in certain vaccines. Introduced on March 24, 2007 and referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services.
http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/revisor/pages/search_status/status_detail.php?b=House&f=HF2350&ssn=0&y=2007
SF 0746 is an act requiring medical providers administering vaccines to school children to notify
parents and guardians of certain mercury (thimerosal) content in vaccines was introduced on February 12, 2007 and referred to the Committee on Health, Housing and Family Security. Companion is HF 0470.
http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/revisor/pages/search_status/status_detail.php?b=Senate&f=SF0746&ssn=0&y=2007
SF 1780 is a companion to HF 1917 and is a bill for establishing a preference for mercury free vaccines in the state; authorizing the use of vaccines containing a trace amount of mercury under certain conditions; specifying certain patient informed consent requirements prior to administering the vaccine; specifying certain disclosure requirements for immunization providers; requiring the commissioner of health to provide and maintain vaccine information on the department Web site. Introduced on March 12, 2007 and referred to the Committee on Health, Housing and Family Security.
http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/revisor/pages/search_status/status_detail.php?b=Senate&f=SF1780&ssn=0&y=2007
Mississippi
*nothing relating to vaccines
Missouri-*nothing new in relation to vaccines
Current-Prohibits immunizations administered to children less than eight years old from containing mercury after January 1, 2007.PASSED IN MAY 2005. Under the act, after April 1, 2007, any immunizations administered to knowingly pregnant women or children under three years of age shall not contain more than 1 microgram of mercury per 0.5-milliliter dose.
Montana
The Montana Legislature adjourned on Friday, April 27, 2007 and none of the following mercury product bills was adopted into law.
SB 0236 is an act requiring mercury-free childhood vaccines; and establishing an interim preference for dispensing mercury-free influenza vaccines. Introduced on January 10, 2007, it was referred to the Committee on Public Health, Safety and Welfare. It was recommended for adopted and passed the Senate on February 5, 2007. It has been sent to the House, where it is in the Committee on Human Services, which had a hearing on March 16, 2007. It died in committee on April 27, 2007.
http://data.opi.mt.gov/bills/2007/billhtml/SB0236.htm
Nebraska
The Nebraska Legislature has adjourned, without adopting the following bill.
LB 49 states that on and after July 1, 2007, no vaccine or other drug administered in the State of Nebraska shall contain more than a trace amount of mercury; and on and after July 1, 2009, no vaccine or other drug administered in the State of Nebraska shall contain any amount of mercury. Introduced on January 4, 2007 and referred to Health and Human Services. Indefinitely postponed on February 26, 2007.
http://uniweb.legislature.ne.gov/Apps/BillFinder/finder.php
New Hampshire
*nothing relating to vaccines
New Jersey-
The New Jersey Legislature is unusual in that it starts in the even year and carries its bills over into the odd-numbered year.
A1324 is the same as A4433 from the 2004-2005 session and would phase out the use of mercury in vaccinations over a period of three years. Introduced January 10, 2006, referred to Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee. It was reported out of committee on May 11, 2006, with amendments.
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2006/Bills/A1500/1324_I1.HTM
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/Default.asp
S618 is the same as A1324 and would phase out the use of mercury in vaccinations over a period of three years. Introduced on January 10, 2006 and referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2006/Bills/S1000/618_I1.HTM
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/Default.asp
New Mexico-
New Mexico adopted a resolution and is now adjourned.
SJM 25 is a joint memorial resolution that encourages the use of vaccines with no more than a trace of mercury in them. Adopted and signed.
http://legis.state.nm.us/Sessions/07%20Regular/memorials/senate/SJM025.html
http://legis.state.nm.us:8080/lcsbillsearch/session.jsp?year=2007R&type=JM&chamber=S&number=25
New York
*nothing new relating to vaccines
Current: Mercury Ban does not take effect until 2008. Prohibits the administration to any person under the age of three years and to women who know they are pregnant of any vaccine containing more than 0.5micrograms of mercury per 0.5 milliliter dose, except that, for children under3 years, an influenza vaccine may contain not more than 0.625 micrograms ofmercury per 0.25 milliliter dose, and for pregnant women, an influenza vaccinemay contain not more than 1.25 micrograms of mercury per 0.50 milliliter dose;authorizes the commissioner of health to grant exemptions in cases of diseaseoutbreaks and vaccine shortages, and exempts influenza vaccines for pregnantwomen if there is in any year an insufficient supply of such vaccine which complies with the provisions of this act.
North Carolina
HB 431 would require that vaccines, containing the preservative thimerosal, administered to children under the age of eight years shall not contain more than 0.5 micrograms of mercury per 0.5 milliliter dose. Influenza vaccines administered to children 6‑35 months of age and pregnant women shall not contain the preservative thimerosal, except: (1) vaccines with a trace amount (<0.5ug/0/5ml dose) of mercury are permissible only if there are no alternative vaccines available; and(2) in times of emergency or epidemic as determined by the State Health Director. If an emergency or epidemic is determined to exist, the State Health Director shall notify the Commission for Health Services, the Governor, and the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, and the general public. The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, shall develop and produce a brochure that explains the use of thimerosal and other preservatives in vaccines. The brochure shall describe what alternatives are available and what potential advantages and disadvantages are posed by the use of thimerosal and the alternatives. Introduced February 28, 2007, referred to the Committee on Health. A substitute was favorably reported on April 26, 2007 and it was referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/BillLookUp/BillLookUp.pl?Session=2007&BillID=H431
Oregon
*nothing new relating to vaccines
Current-Restricts use of vaccines containing mercury by pregnant women and children under three years of age. Takes effect January 1, 2007. A woman who is known to be pregnant or a child under three years of age may not be vaccinated with a vaccine containing mercury or injected with a product that contains more than 0.5 micrograms of mercury per 0.5 milliliter dose.
(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this subsection, a woman who is known to be pregnant or a child under three years of age may be vaccinated with an influenza vaccine that contains 1.0 microgram of mercury or less per 0.5 milliliter dose.
Pennsylvania
HB 790 prohibits certain persons from being vaccinated with vaccines containing mercury or injected with any mercury-containing product. Referred to Health and Human Services, March 19, 2007.
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?&syear=2007&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=0790
HB 1001 amends existing law, known as the Childhood Immunization Insurance Act, further providing for definitions; and providing for mercury-free vaccines. Referred to Health and Human Services, April 2, 2007.
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?&syear=2007&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1001
Rhode Island
H 5282 would require, prior to any vaccination of a minor child, a physician shall provide notice to a parent or guardian if the vaccination contains mercury. A standardized consent form stating that mercury is a dangerous toxin, and that exposure to even low levels may permanently damage the brain and nervous system and cause behavior changes, shall be developed and provided by the department of health. This form shall be signed and dated by a minor child’s parent or guardian prior to vaccination and kept with the minor child’s permanent record. Introduced on February 01, 2007, and referred to the House Health, Education & Welfare Committee.
http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/billtext07/housetext07/h5282.htm
H 5863 would require, except for an influenza vaccine, on and after July 1, 2008, a person who is knowingly pregnant or who is under 3 years of age shall not be vaccinated with a mercury containing vaccine or injected with a mercury containing product that contains more than 0.5 micrograms of mercury per five tenths 0.5 milliliter dose. On and after July 1, 2008, a person who is knowingly pregnant or who is under three years of age shall not be vaccinated with a mercury containing influenza vaccine that contains more than one microgram of mercury per 0.5 milliliter dose. The director of the department of health may exempt the use of a vaccine from this section if the director finds, and the governor concurs, that an actual or potential bioterrorist incident or other actual or potential public health emergency, including a pandemic, an epidemic or shortage of supply of a vaccine that would prevent persons from receiving the needed vaccine, makes necessary the administration of a vaccine containing more mercury than the maximum level set forth herein. Date Introduced March 01, 2007 and referred to the House Health, Education & Welfare Committee.
http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/billtext07/housetext07/h5863.htm
South Carolina
*None relating to vaccines
Tennessee-*nothing new
Current-All immunizations administered to any person, including pregnant women, in the State of TN shall not contain mercury, trace amounts of mercury or preservatives containing mercury.
Vermont
H.0114 proposes to prohibit the use of mercury‑containing vaccines for children and pregnant women. Introduced January 23, 2007 and referred to the Human Services Committee.
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/legdoc.cfm?URL=/docs/2008/bills/intro/H-114.HTM
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/database/status/summary.cfm?Bill=H%2E0114&Session=2008
H.0121 proposes to limit the presence of mercury in the air and waters of the state by prohibiting the installation of mercury-containing dental amalgam, except in back molars, effective January 1, 2011. It establishes reporting requirements regarding amounts of mercury supplied to the dentists of the state. It also proposes to establish a comprehensive program by which manufacturers of mercury-added thermostats will collect mercury-added thermostats facing disposal. Introduced January 23, 2007 and referred to the Human Services Committee. Reported out favorably with amendment and referred to the Human Services Committee on March 14, 2007.
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/legdoc.cfm?URL=/docs/2008/bills/intro/H-121.HTM
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/database/status/summary.cfm?Bill=H%2E0121&Session=2008
S.0081 would require that dental patients are notified of alternatives to mercury amalgam dental fillings, using brochures and posters the department of health must produce; phase out the use of mercury amalgam fillings, beginning with a ban on the use of mercury amalgam fillings for pregnant women and children commencing in 2008 and then applying it to the rest of the general public by 2011; and prohibit the use of mercury in flu vaccines except in the case of a shortage or public health emergency. Introduced February 9, 2007 and referred to the Health and Welfare Committee.
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/database/status/summary.cfm?Bill=S%2E0081&Session=2008
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/legdoc.cfm?URL=/docs/2008/bills/intro/S-081.HTM
Washington
The Legislature of the State of Washington has adjourned and adopted the following bill.
HB 1098 modifies the state statutes limiting the amount of mercury in vaccinations to provide an exemption for the use of mercury-containing vaccinations in times of an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease. Introduced January 10, 2007, a substitute was adopted with amendment and sent to the Governor on April 22, 2007, who signed it into law on May 2, 2007. http://search.leg.wa.gov/pub/textsearch/default.asp##
West Virginia
The Legislature adjourned in March 2007, and the following two bills were not adopted.
HCR 57 Requests that the Joint Committee on Government and Finance conduct a study on the need to eliminate mercury and mercury preservatives (thimerosal) in vaccines. Introduced February 26, 2007, adopted by the House on March 7 and sent to the Senate, where it has been referred to the Committee on Health and Human Resources.
http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2007_SESSIONS/RS/Bills/hcr57%20intr.htm
http://www.legis.state.wv.us/bill_status/Resolution_History.cfm?year=2007&sessiontype=rs&btype=res
HB 2152 provides that, effective the first day of July, two thousand seven, vaccines administered in this state shall not contain any mercury or mercury compounds, including but not limited to thimerosal, unless a vaccine containing no mercury is not manufactured; or the provider finds that the mercury-free vaccine is not obtainable by utilizing best efforts, because the vaccine is not on the market for sale. If a mercury-free vaccine is not available according to subsection (a), then a vaccine containing a trace amount of mercury as defined by the United States Food and Drug Administration may be administered. If neither a mercury-free vaccine nor a vaccine containing a trace amount of mercury is available, then the vaccine containing the least amount of mercury may be administered. Introduced January 16, 2007; referred to the Committee on Health and Human Resources, then the Judiciary.
http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Text_HTML/2007_SESSIONS/RS/Bills/hb2152%20intr.htm
http://www.legis.state.wv.us/bill_status/Bill_Status.cfm
Federal
HR 881 amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to deem a banned mercury-containing vaccine to be adulterated. Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide that a vaccine is a banned mercury-containing vaccine if one dose of the vaccine contains one or more micrograms of mercury in any form. It authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to declare that an actual or potential bioterrorist incident or other public health emergency makes the administration of such vaccines advisable for a specified period. The bill requires the Secretary to prohibit the distribution of banned mercury-containing influenza vaccines that are approved as biological products to: (1) any child under the age of three years old (effective July 1, 2007); (2) pregnant women if the vaccine contains thimerosal (effective July 1, 2007); and (3) any child under the age of six (effective July 1, 2008). It also requires the Secretary to revise the vaccine information included with mercury-containing vaccines to include: (1) a statement that indicates the presence of mercury in the vaccine; (2) information on the availability of any mercury-free or mercury-reduced alternative vaccine and instructions on how to obtain such an alternative vaccine; and (3) a recommendation against administration of any mercury-containing vaccine to a pregnant woman. In addition, the bill expresses the sense of Congress that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) should disseminate, with any vaccine-related information, a recommendation against administration of any thimerosal-containing vaccine to a pregnant woman. Introduced on February 7, 2007, it has 17 sponsors and co-sponsors, and has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:h.r.00881:
HR 2101 would prohibit after 2008 the introduction into interstate commerce of mercury intended for use in a dental filling, and for other purposes. Introduced on May 1, 2007, it has two sponsors and co-sponsors and has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:h.r.02101:
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Filed under: State/U.S. Laws Tagged: | federal merucry laws. local state merury laws, state mercury laws
