Connecticut Passes Vaccine Bill Amid Federal Attacks

0:00Connecticut Democrats pushed through a major vaccine bill this week, passing it in the Senate 22-12 just two days after the House, approved it 89-60. The measure gives the State Public Health Commissioner more say in recommending shots for kids and adults, makes insurance cover those, recommendations, and less the agency buy vaccines from sources beyond the federal centers for disease control and prevention. Earlier this week, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff stressed the rush, pointing to federal attacks on vaccine science, cuts to public health funding, and measles outbreaks in states easing rules. Governor Ned Lamont backs it as a clear stand on vaccines amid mixed signals from Washington. Hundreds showed up at hearings to oppose the bill, calling a government overreach and a threat to religious freedom, with most of the 500 speakers against it. Republicans on the floor worried it could pressure doctors and patients even if not a direct mandate and pushed failed amendments to shield docs, from lawsuits and block discrimination by employers or insurers.

1:03Senator Saoud Anwar, a Democrat, got the insurance fears, but Nick's changes to avoid delaying the bill, suggesting fixes later. This comes as a federal judge recently blocked big vaccine policy shifts by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s team at Health and Human Services, including slashing kids shot recommendations from 17-11. Connecticut already leaves the nation in measles, mumps, and rubella shots for kindergartners, but trust in vaccines has split a long party line since. The pandemic 85 percent of Democrats now back school mandates while only half of Republicans do. With the session still open, this sets the state on its own path forward. Stay informed with Hartford News Today, AI-powered updates.