HB 415 would severely limit Missoula County’s ability as an employer from requiring vaccinations which the employer/department deems critical to maintaining the safety and health of the employee as well as the public. The current events facing the Health Department and community highlight the need for the county as an employer to ensure its employees are provided the greatest of safety precautions available, but also demand the county as an employer ensure its safety practices protect the public which in some cases will be requiring vaccine for front line workers in certain departments.
As a government entity that is required to respond to public health needs, we must always ensure sufficient staffing. Requiring certain vaccines for employees is a step we can take to avoid vaccine-preventable disease among staff, making us better prepared to serve our community. This bill puts community members at risk as well. Members of the public must come to health facilities for essential and sometimes life-saving needs. They and their families should not have to risk exposure to a preventable disease when seeking healthcare.
Missoula County opposes HB 415: Prohibit discrimination based on vaccination status, up for second reading today on the House floor.
HB 415 would severely limit Missoula County’s ability as an employer from requiring vaccinations which the employer/department deems critical to maintaining the safety and health of the employee as well as the public. The current events facing the Health Department and community highlight the need for the county as an employer to ensure its employees are provided the greatest of safety precautions available, but also demand the county as an employer ensure its safety practices protect the public which in some cases will be requiring vaccine for front line workers in certain departments.
As a government entity that is required to respond to public health needs, we must always ensure sufficient staffing. Requiring certain vaccines for employees is a step we can take to avoid vaccine-preventable disease among staff, making us better prepared to serve our community. This bill puts community members at risk as well. Members of the public must come to health facilities for essential and sometimes life-saving needs. They and their families should not have to risk exposure to a preventable disease when seeking healthcare.
The Missoula City-County Health Department writes in opposition to HB 415 and we appreciate the opportunity to provide testimony. We urge you to vote ‘no’ on this bill for the following reasons: • This bill puts community members at risk. Members of the public must come to health facilities for essential and sometimes life-saving needs. They and their families should not have to risk exposure to a preventable disease when seeking healthcare. • As a government entity that is required to respond to public health needs, we must always ensure sufficient staffing. Requiring certain vaccines for employees is a step we can take to avoid vaccine-preventable disease among staff, making us better prepared to serve our community. • This bill exposes employers to increased risk and liability, removing a safe, inexpensive, and effective means of protecting their staff and clients. By requiring immunizations, employers can plan ahead for risks their employees may encounter, ensuring their safety and avoiding hefty medical bills later. The cost of pre-exposure vaccines can be significantly lower than the cost to treat vaccine-preventable diseases. • This bill would lead to additional costs incurred during disease outbreaks. During a disease outbreak, such as measles, any unvaccinated employee will be sent home for the duration of the outbreak for their own protection as well as the protection of the public. o Unvaccinated employees being sent home will decrease productivity and increase burden on their coworkers, who may have to work extra shifts. o People who become ill may need to be hospitalized, which adds a huge cost-burden to the individual and community. o A public health agency investigation of a single measles case can cost anywhere between $6000 - $181,000.
Sent Feb. 22:
ReplyDeleteRepresentatives France and Tenenbaum,
Missoula County opposes HB 415.
HB 415 would severely limit Missoula County’s ability as an employer from requiring vaccinations which the employer/department deems critical to maintaining the safety and health of the employee as well as the public. The current events facing the Health Department and community highlight the need for the county as an employer to ensure its employees are provided the greatest of safety precautions available, but also demand the county as an employer ensure its safety practices protect the public which in some cases will be requiring vaccine for front line workers in certain departments.
As a government entity that is required to respond to public health needs, we must always ensure sufficient staffing. Requiring certain vaccines for employees is a step we can take to avoid vaccine-preventable disease among staff, making us better prepared to serve our community. This bill puts community members at risk as well. Members of the public must come to health facilities for essential and sometimes life-saving needs. They and their families should not have to risk exposure to a preventable disease when seeking healthcare.
Please oppose HB 415.
Sent Feb. 25:
ReplyDeleteRepresentatives,
Missoula County opposes HB 415: Prohibit discrimination based on vaccination status, up for second reading today on the House floor.
HB 415 would severely limit Missoula County’s ability as an employer from requiring vaccinations which the employer/department deems critical to maintaining the safety and health of the employee as well as the public. The current events facing the Health Department and community highlight the need for the county as an employer to ensure its employees are provided the greatest of safety precautions available, but also demand the county as an employer ensure its safety practices protect the public which in some cases will be requiring vaccine for front line workers in certain departments.
As a government entity that is required to respond to public health needs, we must always ensure sufficient staffing. Requiring certain vaccines for employees is a step we can take to avoid vaccine-preventable disease among staff, making us better prepared to serve our community. This bill puts community members at risk as well. Members of the public must come to health facilities for essential and sometimes life-saving needs. They and their families should not have to risk exposure to a preventable disease when seeking healthcare.
Please oppose HB 415.
Feb. 25:
ReplyDeleteThe Missoula City-County Health Department writes in opposition to HB 415 and we appreciate the
opportunity to provide testimony. We urge you to vote ‘no’ on this bill for the following reasons:
• This bill puts community members at risk. Members of the public must come to health
facilities for essential and sometimes life-saving needs. They and their families should not have
to risk exposure to a preventable disease when seeking healthcare.
• As a government entity that is required to respond to public health needs, we must always
ensure sufficient staffing. Requiring certain vaccines for employees is a step we can take to
avoid vaccine-preventable disease among staff, making us better prepared to serve our
community.
• This bill exposes employers to increased risk and liability, removing a safe, inexpensive,
and effective means of protecting their staff and clients. By requiring immunizations,
employers can plan ahead for risks their employees may encounter, ensuring their safety and
avoiding hefty medical bills later. The cost of pre-exposure vaccines can be significantly lower
than the cost to treat vaccine-preventable diseases.
• This bill would lead to additional costs incurred during disease outbreaks. During a disease
outbreak, such as measles, any unvaccinated employee will be sent home for the duration of the
outbreak for their own protection as well as the protection of the public.
o Unvaccinated employees being sent home will decrease productivity and increase burden
on their coworkers, who may have to work extra shifts.
o People who become ill may need to be hospitalized, which adds a huge cost-burden to the
individual and community.
o A public health agency investigation of a single measles case can cost anywhere between
$6000 - $181,000.