Richard DiPentima

Dear Committee Members: as a former State Representative and member of this committee as well as a retired public health official I strongly oppose HB 1449. This bill will only accomplish placing undue burdens on parents as well as reducing the opportunity for children to receive necessary and mandated vaccines efficiently and easily. Requiring the presence of a parent or guardian when a child receives a vaccine at school will cause parents to miss work or other important activities. it places an unnecessary burden on parents who have already given permission for their child to receive a vaccine at school. There is absolutely no need to have a parent present for such a routine event, when other responsible adults, including a school nurse is present. The only goal of this bill is to prevent children from getting needed vaccines even when their parents have given their permission. The committee should note that HB 1811, which would have removed all school vaccine mandates, was killed in the House. last week. As such, HB 1449 would hamper and prevent children from receiving those mandated vaccines that the House has just supported. It is time to support public health and parental wishes instead of doing the opposite. Please voter Hb 1449 ITL.