Res. No. 274
Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to enact legislation requiring all hospitals with neonatal intensive care units to administer the influenza vaccination to parents and “first person” contacts of infants less than six months of age.
By Council Members Rivera, Garodnick, Fidler, James, Liu and Seabrook
Whereas, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infants less than six months of age face increased health risks from influenza, but are too young to receive the vaccine against this disease; and
Whereas, Both the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) endorse influenza immunization of parents and “first person” contacts of young infants, particularly those who are less than six months of age admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), to decrease the risk of morbidity and mortality from influenza infection in this vulnerable group of children; and
Whereas, According to the ACIP and AAP, adults eligible to obtain the influenza vaccine (excluding those greater than age 65) have vaccination compliance rates estimated at 15%, which indicates that a large number of parents and contacts of newborn babies are not immunized against this disease; and
Whereas, A October 21, 2005 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report from the CDC highlighted that only 13% of pregnant women received influenza vaccination in 2003; and
Whereas, Parents of NICU and newborn infants frequently spend a significant amount of time in a hospital, which can be used as a point of access for the provision of influenza vaccinations to such individuals, as well as any individuals who are also likely to be in close contact with such babies; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to enact legislation requiring all hospitals with neonatal intensive care units to administer the influenza vaccination to parents and “first person” contacts of infants less than six months of age.
LS # 698
ED 4/19/06