HJ0026 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0026 LRB099 10222 MST 30448 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that spreads easily through the air or on infected surfaces; it causes rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red watery eyes; people who are infected with measles can spread the virus for up to 4 days before developing symptoms; and

WHEREAS, Measles affect all organs of the body, and can cause serious and, in some cases, fatal complications in children, including pneumonia and encephalitis; and

WHEREAS, A non-immunized person or child has a 90% chance of getting the measles if they come in contact with an infected person; and

WHEREAS, The measles vaccine has been shown in numerous studies to be one of the most safe and effective vaccines available; and

WHEREAS, High immunization rates in a community will protect those who cannot be vaccinated, including children undergoing cancer treatment and infants under 12 months of age, who are at the highest risk of serious illness, hospitalization, or death due to measles; and

WHEREAS, The American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Academy of Family Physicians all recommend that children receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine at the age of 12-15 months, and again at 4-6 years; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we encourage the Illinois Department of Public Health to promulgate administrative rules pursuant to the requirement for health examinations and immunizations within the School Code and to encourage higher rates of vaccinations and to expedite this process in order to have such rules in place for the 2015-16 school year; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be delivered to the Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health.