SACRAMENTO—The Assembly Health Committee passed unanimously a bill by Assemblywoman Patty Berg Tuesday that would require hospitals to offer seniors a flu shot before discharging them.

“This bill is about prevention,” said Assemblywoman Berg. “A flu shot at the start of flu season can prevent the spread of a serious illness in a vulnerable population.”

Hospitals currently are not required to offer immunizations for influenza and pneumonia to seniors, while skilled nursing facilities must make them available. Berg’s bill is in keeping with recommendations by the Federal Center for Disease Control and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

“We need to offer seniors every opportunity to take a flu shot,” said Berg. “It may save their life and reduce health complications.”

The bill now goes to Assembly Appropriations Committee.