CT HB05044

Commissioner of Public Health gains authority to establish immunization standard of care for all Connecticut residents (expanded from children only), based on CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and major medical organization recommendations, with standards posted online within 30 days and exempt from state agency regulation requirements

Creates a new "vaccines for adults" program administered by the Department of Public Health to purchase and distribute vaccines to eligible health care providers (free clinics, municipal health authorities, district health departments) for adults 19 and older who lack insurance coverage for vaccines

During public health emergencies, the Governor may authorize the Commissioner of Public Health to issue statewide standing orders permitting licensed health care providers to dispense or administer vaccines and other medical interventions without patient-specific prescriptions

Requires individual and group health insurance policies (effective January 1, 2027) to cover immunizations within the state's new standard of care schedules, in addition to existing coverage for immunizations recommended by major pediatric and obstetric medical organizations

Nursing home facility regulations must ensure patients receive immunizations against respiratory viral diseases including influenza and pneumococcal disease in accordance with the new state standard of care, with exemptions for medical contraindications and religious objections