Senate Resolution 813
By: Senators Williams of the 25th, Summers of the 13th, Hatchett of the 50th, Albers of the
56th, Anderson of the 24th and others
A RESOLUTION
Urging the Department of Public Health to conduct a study on the relationship between
sudden unexpected deaths of infants and children, ages two and under, and the administration
of vaccinations; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, the health and well-being of infants and children in Georgia is paramount to this
state and its residents; and
WHEREAS, the sudden unexpected death of an infant is a tragic event that can leave families
and communities with many unanswered questions; and
WHEREAS, the United States has the highest infant mortality rate amongst developed
nations, and research shows that Georgia has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the
nation; and
WHEREAS, a comprehensive understanding of the causes of unexpected infant deaths is
essential for developing effective strategies to prevent such tragedies; and
WHEREAS, while vaccinations have been integrated into medical practice in an effort to
prevent diseases, there is still a need to continuously monitor and study the potential impact
of such preventative treatment on the health of infants and children; and
WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the United States Food and
Drug Administration are committed to ensuring that vaccinations provided to the public are
safe and effective; and
WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of this state and its legislature to protect the health and
well-being of its youngest citizens and provide the necessary resources to address the issue
of sudden unexpected deaths of infants and children, ages two and under.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
urge the Department of Public Health to conduct a study to examine the relationship between
unexpected deaths of infants and children, ages two and under, and the administration of
vaccinations.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study shall include but not be limited to an analysis
of the state's immunization records in the context of sudden unexpected deaths of infants and
children, ages two and under, and be submitted in the form of a written report to the Senate
by February 1, 2027.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the written report shall contain anonymous data
evaluating immunization records in the GRITS Immunization Information System of infants
and children, ages two and under, who died suddenly and without explanation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the data shall include immunization records from the
2013 calendar year to present.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the written report shall include the infant or child's age
at the time of death, full immunization history, and the date of the infant or child's last
immunization and its proximity to the infant or child's time of death.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Public Health shall collaborate with
relevant state and federal agencies and medical and public health experts to ensure that its
study is conducted with the highest level of scientific rigor and integrity.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this body recognizes the fiscal cost required to conduct
such a study as called for in this resolution, so the Department of Public Health may decline
to conduct such study unless the General Assembly appropriates moneys sufficient to cover
the cost of the study.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the secretary and
state health officer of the Department of Public Health.