Legislative declaration

(1) The general assembly hereby finds, determines, and declares that vaccine preventable diseases represent a serious public health threat to the people of this state. It has been well documented that vaccines are an effective way to save lives and prevent debilitating disease. Vaccines are among the most cost-effective components of preventive medical care because for every dollar spent on immunization, ten dollars are saved in later medical expenses. (2) The general assembly further finds, determines, and declares that the rate of routine immunization among preschool children appears to be falling steadily. Therefore, it is the purpose of this part 17 to fully immunize all infants, subject to available appropriations, at a level that is age-appropriate as determined by the board of health. (3) The general assembly further finds, determines, and declares that the inability of some parents to personally take their children to health-care professionals for the purpose of immunization contributes to the significant number of children who have not been immunized on a timely basis in accordance with this part 17. Therefore, it is the further purpose of this part 17 to provide an alternative method by which such children may be immunized without circumventing parental authority and control.