Testimony of the Maine Medical Association and the
Maine Immunization Coalition
In Support of LD 1664,
Resolve, Regarding Legislative Review of Portions of
Chapters 126 and 261, Immunization Requirements for School Children,
Joint Major Substantive Rules of the
Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Service

Joint Select Committee on Health & Human Services
Room 209, Cross State Office Building
Wednesday, January 3, 2018, 2:30 p.m.

Good afternoon Senator Brakey, Representative Hymanson, and Members of the Committee on Health and Human Services, my name is Peter Michaud. I live in Readfield, and I am testifying today on behalf of the Maine Medical Association (MMA) and the Maine Immunization Coalition in support of LD 1664, Resolve Regarding Legislative Review of Portions of Chapters 126 and 261, Immunization Requirements for School Children, Joint Major Substantive Rules of the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services.

The MMA is a professional association representing more than 4,000 physicians, residents, and medical students in Maine whose mission is to support Maine physicians, advance the quality of medicine in Maine, and promote the health of all Maine citizens. We represent physicians from all medical specialties, as well as public health and primary care.

The Maine Immunization Coalition is a program administered by Maine Primary Care Association. Its mission is to protect Maine people across their lifespan against vaccine-preventable diseases, by increasing immunization rates through information sharing, fostering collaboration, and advocacy. Its steering committee members include EMHS, Maine Association of Health Plans, MaineHealth, Maine Hospital Association, Maine Primary Care Association, Maine Public Health Association, Maine Osteopathic Association, and MaineGeneral Health, along with the MMA.

This resolve will allow adoption of rules adding immunization against meningococcal meningitis in the seventh grade, with a booster in the twelfth grade, to the list of school-age immunizations. As with other vaccines on the list, it is the subject of rules in both the DHHS and the Department of Education. The healthcare community appreciates the work done by the departments in preparing this rule to protect Maine schoolchildren, college students and adults from a devastating disease.

Meningococcal disease is a group of serious illnesses that include infections of the brain and spinal cord caused by a particular bacterium, Neisseria meningitidis. They are spread by being in close quarters where people are coughing, like in school or within families, and by exposure to respiratory and mouth secretions as in kissing…which people between 7^th and 12^th grades have been known to do. Signs and symptoms include fever, headache and stiff neck, often followed by nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and confusion. Meningitis is a very serious infection that can be deadly in a matter of hours. The U.S. CDC says of this illness, “If you think you or your child has any of these symptoms, call the doctor right away.” Ten to fifteen out of every 100 people who get the infection will die, and eleven to nineteen out of every 100 survivors will have long-term disabilities, often including deafness and brain damage.

The best, most effective defense to these illnesses is keeping up to date with recommended vaccines. Occasionally there can be mild, negative reactions to these vaccines, such as redness or pain at the injection site or a low-grade fever, which usually last for a day or two. This is a good, effective vaccine that can prevent a very serious illness.

Thank you for considering the MMA’s and MIC’s perspective on LD 1664. We respectfully ask you to vote the bill “Ought to Pass.” I would be happy to respond to any questions you may have.