No. 31753: R396-100. Immunization Rule for Students

DAR File No.: 31753
Filed: 07/25/2008, 11:17
Received by: NL

NOTICE OF REVIEW AND STATEMENT OF CONTINUATION

Concise explanation of the particular statutory provisions under which the rule is enacted and how these provisions authorize or require the rule:

This rule is required by Section 53A-11-303 and authorized by Section 53A-11-306.

Summary of written comments received during and since the last five-year review of the rule from interested persons supporting or opposing the rule:

Within the last five-year period, comments were received to amend the rule on three occasions. The Utah Immunization Program received requests for the addition of vaccine requirements upon entry into 7th grade to support adolescents improved vaccine coverage as they transition to adulthood and especially that from 2005 to 2011 there will be a cohort of teens who will be at risk of making it to their adult years with no immunity to Varicella. Three comments were received during the open comment period regarding the 7th grade requirement. All comments were in support of the proposed rule change. Two of the comments requested the addition of other vaccines to the requirements. Based on additional comments received, the Utah Immunization Program amended the rule in 2006/2007 to further strengthen the requirement for Tetanus/Pertussis and Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccine in order to align and reflect current CDC recommendations. Finally, the Utah Immunization Program received an informal legislative request to include four additional vaccines for children in Early Childhood Programs. This last amendment was completed in 2008 with no additional comments. Input was sought through provision of information and discussion with the Utah Scientific Vaccine Advisory Committee, Utah's Every Child by Two Coalition and its subcommittee, Local/Regional Immunization Coalitions and its target populations. These committees have representatives from the Utah chapters of the Academy of Pediatrics and the Academy of Family Physicians, local health departments, and other key partners.

Reasoned justification for continuation of the rule, including reasons why the agency disagrees with comments in opposition to the rule, if any:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages all states to maintain their school immunization laws to conform to national recommendations of the Public Health Service's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends following ACIP guidelines. The majority of Utah's health care providers follow ACIP recommendations. The Utah Vaccine Scientific Advisory Committee also recommends providers follow ACIP recommendations. Utah currently ranks 26th in the U.S. for vaccine coverage. Continuation of this rule is important to prevent vaccine preventable diseases in our schools and communities.

The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

Health
Community and Family Health Services, Immunization
CANNON HEALTH BLDG
288 N 1460 W
SALT LAKE CITY UT 84116-3231

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

Linda Abel or Lyle Odendahl at the above address, by phone at 801-538-9450 or 801-538-6878, by FAX at 801-538-9440 or 801-538-6306, or by Internet E-mail at [e-mail] or [e-mail]

Authorized by:

David N. Sundwall, Executive Director