Kids vaccine drive-thrus SB96

Hurry up and wait.  I feel like I have been transported back to the days of working in the hospital. No real progress, just waiting for the wheels of the machine to turn.
 
I sat in on the House Public Health Committee today, it lasted about 2 hours before being truncated prior to hearing SB96.
 
There were three bills to be heard, and the second bill (SB473) was not even completed.

Constituents for that bill were denied the opportunity to speak, despite lobbyists being allowed to present their amendments. Those advocating for the citizens were not privy to the contents of the amendments before testimony. I’ll have more on this later… IT HAS ME HOT!
 
SB96- as a recap it is a pretty worthless bill to lobbyists as it stands.

The summary ensures the legislature doesn’t have to vote to add a new vaccine that has been approved by ACIP/CDC to be added to the list of vaccines that pharmacists can administer under a standing order.

THIS IS NOT THE PRIMARY GOAL OF THIS LANGUAGE.

The TRUE purpose of this bill is to establish an entry point for eliminating the minimum age requirement for pharmacy-administered vaccinations.

They want to create kids vaccine drive-thrus.

But…

Inside sources tell me, this bill died a few days ago. I was told it died because of “controversy.”

Don’t be fooled, Hoosiers, even if “SB 96” is dead, the goal is likely not.

If this bill comes back to committee, it will likely just be for testimony before being tabled. The language will remain “in play” and can be snuck in somewhere else.

This is the second year for this legislation and we know that the special interest group, Indiana Immunization Coalition, was educating retail pharmacies about these changes back in 2023! I am sure they are getting antsy.

If language for kids vaccine drive-thrus is going to be passed, I don’t think the legislature has the courage to do that in the light of day.

You might be wondering why I feel this way…

Let me share.

The legislature is constantly making back-door deals, bellying up to the feasts offered by lobbyists, and holding private “pre-committee” meetings where they discuss and DETERMINE what actions they will take during the public committee meeting.

In fact, today, my suspicions about amendments to SB96 were confirmed.

When I called out the fact that the amendments were not posted online before the committee meeting, I was essentially met with the sentiment that THE PUBLIC DOESN’T NEED TO KNOW.

Hoosiers, nothing will change unless we demand it.

Government MUST be transparent.

Hoosiers have the right to know which amendments are being considered and who is bringing them to the table. –Again, more on this at a later time…
 
Back to the issue at hand…
 
I am truly concerned that the legislature will continue to use underhanded tricks to get vaccine drive-thrus.

We must be watching...

:I suspect the drive-thru language will be inserted in another bill when we least expect it- or worse, slapped in a random bill during conference committee.
 
If you haven’t already, take action on this bill!

It was the text sent out on 3/24.  Look for the following image

If you didn’t get it, text 260-286-0988 the word KIDS
 
We will keep you updated as this continues to unfold.
 
I really appreciate your continued support and action.  This isn’t easy but we must protect our future!

In Liberty,
Ashley