Talking Points: Vaccination on School Property

Member Resources

Issue: Barring Vaccine Administration on School Property

Examples of State Bill(s) in 2022: 

LA HB 48. Prohibits the administration of vaccines on school property and at school-sponsored events.

Examples of State Bill(s) in 2023:

NH 539– relative to vaccination clinics at schools 

What it Means:  Children and their families could not be given vaccines on school grounds. 

Key Talking Points:

  • The legislation is not necessary because the law already requires parental consent for children to be vaccinated. Parents have to consent regardless of where a minor receives their vaccines.
  • Schools are an important part of the infrastructure of our communities. They provide safe, supportive learning environments for children and adolescents and employ teachers and other staff.
  • Receiving vaccines at school or at school-sponsored events with the approval of a legal guardian allows access to life-saving vaccines and protection from preventable infectious diseases.
  • This legislation creates an intentional access barrier for children who do not have easy access to preventive medical care.
  • This legislation discriminates against children who may not have a medical home or easy access to care.
  • Many children don’t have access to regular medical care and rely on school health. 
  • Barriers to vaccination can lead to lower vaccination rates.

Bottom line:

  • Vaccination is an effective way to prevent or mitigate disease in an individual and a population.
  • Vaccines not only protect oneself, but families, neighbors, and communities.  They are especially important for children, older adults, for those who are immunocompromised, and those who may not be able to get vaccinated. 
  • COVID-19 vaccinations protect individuals from severe illness, hospitalization and death and have helped Americans get back to work and to our daily lives. 
  • We should work together to encourage all individuals to receive all recommended vaccines. 


Legislators should vote NO on any attempt to prohibit school-based vaccinations. 

Tags: Schools; exemptions; authority; requirements

 

Download talking points here.