Health commissioner tells committee H 545 preserves access and clarifies provider protections, not a vaccine mandate

Summary

Rick Hildebrandt, Vermont commissioner of health, told a legislative committee that H 545 would preserve access to vaccines, allow flexibility in following professional vaccine schedules, and limit provider liability protection to actions consistent with the department's recommendations; no vote was taken.

Rick Hildebrandt, commissioner of health, told a legislative committee reviewing H 545 on Thursday that the bill is intended to preserve access to vaccines and clarify when providers are protected — not to mandate vaccination.

"This is not the intent of this bill in any way, shape, or form," Hildebrandt said, describing the proposal as a measure to keep Vermont’s existing vaccination system functioning and transparent.

Why it matters: The measure responds to concern about federal program changes and supply routes. Hildebrandt told the committee that the bill would let the state follow vaccine schedules from trusted professional organizations and, if necessary, acquire vaccines from alternative sources if federal channels such as the CDC’s Vaccines for Children (VFC) program are unavailable. He framed the…

Health commissioner tells committee H 545 preserves access and clarifies provider protections, not a vaccine mandate

Summary

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