Sacramento, CA – California State Assemblymember Dr. Ed Hernandez (D-West Covina) cleared the first legislative hurdle in his effort to overhaul California’s confusing system for approving and administering vaccines today when Assembly Bill 16 won the support of a majority of the members on the Assembly Health Committee.

“I am very pleased with the result of today’s vote,” said Hernandez “and to see this bill moving forward.”

Hernandez’ legislation was originally crafted to mandate a single vaccine that would prevent against the leading cause of cervical cancer, but the bill met with a certain amount of criticism when first heard in committee in March. Hernandez then began to look at how AB 16 could be amended to address some of the concerns expressed.

“After considering some initial amendments to the bill, we took a step back to see where else we could improve” continued Hernandez, “We realized that sound public health policy was being overshadowed by a politicized, partisan process.”

With these new amendments, AB 16 would require immunizations be administered in accordance with recommendations of the federal Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) made before January 1, 2006. It would also make any vaccinations recommended by ACIP subsequent to that date mandatory in California after at least a five year waiting period from the date they were approved.

“It is imperative that our immunization requirements be kept current and safe” remarked Hernandez “This bill will ensure that California’s immunization policy reflects the best scientific and medical knowledge by tying it to the best standard available.”

Under AB 16, final approval authority over all required vaccines in California will rest with the state’s chief doctor, the State Public Health Officer, who will head up the new State Department of Public Health. Hernandez’ bill would allow the State Public Health Officer to delay authorization for any ACIP recommended vaccine if public or private funding or insurance coverage for the vaccine is not sufficient, or when necessary to protect the public health.

“We need to leave critical public health decisions like these to medical professionals and public health officials” said Hernandez, “This bill will do just that, while preserving the appropriate oversight role for the legislature.”

Also present in AB 16 is further clarification regarding opt-out provisions for mandatory immunizations. Existing law in California allows parents to opt-out of school entry vaccination requirements for medical or philosophical reasons. AB 16 will ensure parents understand they have the ability to opt-out of any or all of the required vaccines.

“Nobody in California can be forced to immunize their child,” continued Hernandez “and we have made that even more clear with this legislation.”

Despite the changes, AB 16 will still make certain that the HPV vaccine is considered for inclusion in California’s immunization program by 2011, simply because it was recommended by the ACIP last year.

“While the scope of this legislation has broadened tremendously,” added Hernandez, “it still puts us one step closer to preventing a disease that maims or kills thousands of women every year.”