VT H0545

Commissioner of Health authorized to issue immunization recommendations for children and adults, including which immunizations to receive, recommended ages, number of doses, and timing between doses

Commissioner may issue standing orders allowing health care professionals, including pharmacists, to prescribe, dispense, or administer recommended immunizations within their scope of practice

Health care professionals following the Commissioner's immunization recommendations receive immunity from civil and administrative liability for adverse events, unless actions constitute gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct

Health insurers required to cover recommended immunizations without co-payments, coinsurance, or deductibles; Department of Health may purchase immunizations from CDC or other vendors at lowest available cost

Vermont Immunization Advisory Council membership expanded to include infectious disease experts, practicing physicians, nurses, and pharmacists; provisions sunset July 1, 2031, at which point immunization recommendations revert to CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices guidelines