TMA applauds bills signed by Gov. Rick Perry

Gov. Rick Perry signed Senate Bills 346 and 347 into law recently, a move applauded by the Texas Medical Association. The new Texas laws are intended to better track vaccinations throughout a personÂ’s lifetime and to exchange information with other states during disasters, such as natural disasters that may prompt people to move across state lines.

SB 346 makes TexasÂ’ free immunization registry, called ImmTrac, a lifespan registry. Instead of only tracking childhood vaccines up to age 18, the registry will now be able to maintain vaccination records for adults as well.

SB 347 allows the state to exchange vaccine information with other states during declared disasters, which gives physicians access to a personÂ’s vaccination status in a time- and cost-efficient manner, which can be critical during outbreaks of preventable diseases like pertussis, or whooping cough. This bill also ensures patients wonÂ’t receive unnecessary shots in case they canÂ’t accurately remember their vaccination history.

“These new laws are important to keep Texans healthy and prevent the spread of serious and often deadly diseases. . . . These laws are a win-win for the people of Texas and the physicians who treat them,” said Dr. Jeffrey L. Levin, chair of the TMA’s Council on Public Health.

Both bills were pushed by Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Lewisville.

ebassett@bizpress.net