SR813: SR813 Department of Public Health; to conduct a study on the relationship between sudden unexpected deaths of infants and children and the administration of vaccinations; urge

26 LC 65 0013 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 th e relationship between1 sudden unexpected deaths of infants and children, ages two and under, and the administration2 of vaccinations; and for other purposes.3 WHEREAS, the health and well-being of infants and children in Georgia is paramount to this4 state and its residents; and5 WHEREAS, the sudden unexpected death of an infant is a tragic event that can leave families6 and communities with many unanswered questions; and7 WHEREAS, the United States has the highest infant mortality rat e amongst developed8 nations, and research shows that Georgia has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the9 nation; and10 WHEREAS, a comprehensive understanding of the causes of unexpec ted infant deaths is11 essential for developing effective strategies to prevent such tragedies; and12 S. R. 813 - 1 - 26 LC 65 0013 WHEREAS, while vaccinations have been integrated into medical p ractice in an effort to13 prevent diseases, there is still a need to continuously monitor and study the potential impact14 of such preventative treatment on the health of infants and children; and15 WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the United States Food and16 Drug Administration are committed to ensuring that vaccinations provided to the public are17 safe and effective; and18 WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of this state and its legislature to protect the health and19 well-being of its youngest citizens and provide the necessary resources to address the issue20 of sudden unexpected deaths of infants and children, ages two and under.21 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body22 urge the Department of Public Health to conduct a study to examine the relationship between23 unexpected deaths of infants and children, ages two and under, and the administration of24 vaccinations.25 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study shall include but not be limited to an analysis26 of the state's immunization records in the context of sudden unexpected deaths of infants and27 children, ages two and under, and be submitted in the form of a written report to the Senate28 by February 1, 2027.29 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the written report shall contain an onymous data30 evaluating immunization records in the GRITS Immunization Information System of infants31 and children, ages two and under, who died suddenly and without explanation. 32 S. R. 813 - 2 - 26 LC 65 0013 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the data shall include immunization records from the33 2013 calendar year to present.34 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the written report shall include the infant or child's age35 at the time of death, full immunization history, and the date o f the infant or child's last36 immunization and its proximity to the infant or child's time of death.37 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Public Health shall collaborate with38 relevant state and federal agencies and medical and public heal th experts to ensure that its39 study is conducted with the highest level of scientific rigor and integrity.40 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this body recognizes the fiscal cost required to conduct41 such a study as called for in this resolution, so the Department of Public Health may decline42 to conduct such study unless the General Assembly appropriates moneys sufficient to cover43 the cost of the study.44 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed45 to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the secretary and46 state health officer of the Department of Public Health.47 S. R. 813 - 3 -