NutritionNew Laws Boost Immunization Practices
As a parent, you may know if your child"s shots are current. But what about yourself? Do you know when you had your last tetanus shot, or any other shots for that matter?
A new Texas law will help adults better track their and their children"s vaccinations. Sen. Jane Nelson (R-Lewisville) pushed for legislation this session to track vaccinations throughout a person"s lifetime. She also advocated for new laws to help Texas respond to the immunization needs of its citizens during an emergency or disaster.
"These new laws are important to keep Texans healthy and prevent the spread of serious and often deadly diseases," said Jeffrey L. Levin, MD, MSPH, chair of the Texas Medical Association (TMA) Council on Public Health. "The recent swine flu outbreak reminded us just how important vaccinations are for both children and adults," added the Tyler physician.
Gov. Rick Perry already has signed both of these measures into law. Senate Bill 346 makes ImmTrac, Texas" free immunization registry, a lifespan registry. Now when a child becomes an adult, his or her vaccination records can be maintained in the state"s registry. Prior to this legislation, immunization records could only be kept for children up to age 18.
SB 347 allows Texas to exchange vaccination information with other states during declared disasters. This is especially important when residents are relocated to other states in emergencies, such as when New Orleans residents came to Texas during Hurricane Katrina. Doctors say having access to each patient"s vaccination status saves time and is more cost-efficient, especially during an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease such as pertussis. Texas has seen pertussis outbreaks in some communities. Tracking vaccines also helps to ensure patients only get the shots they need.
TMA physicians applaud the Texas Legislature for these steps to improve the health of Texas residents. "These advances in tracking vaccinations will help us take better care of Texans throughout their lives - and when disaster strikes," said Dr. Levin. These laws are a win-win for the people of Texas and for the physicians who treat them."
TMA is actively involved in improving immunization practices in Texas through its Be Wise - ImmunizeSM program. The program works to educate physicians and the public about the latest vaccination practices. Since the program began in 2004, more than 127,000 vaccinations have been given to Texas children.
TMA is the largest state medical society in the nation, representing nearly 44,000 physician and medical student members. It is located in Austin and has 120 component county medical societies around the state. TMA"s key objective since 1853 is to improve the health of all Texans.
Texas Medical Association