Oklahoma § 63-682.1 - Vaccination program for first responders

§ 63-682.1. Vaccination program for first responders

A. As used in this section:

1. “Department” means the State Department of Health,

Bioterrorism Division;

2. “Director” means the Commissioner of Health;

3. “Bioterrorism” means the intentional use of any

microorganism, virus, infectious substance or biological product

that may be engineered as a result of biotechnology or any naturally

occurring or bioengineered component of any microorganism, virus,

infectious substance or biological product, to cause or attempt to

cause death, disease or other biological malfunction in any living

organism;

4. “Disaster locations” means any geographical location where a

bioterrorism attack, terrorist attack, catastrophic or natural

disaster or emergency occurs; and

5. “First responders” means state and local law enforcement

personnel, fire department personnel and emergency medical personnel

who will be deployed to bioterrorism attacks, terrorist attacks,

catastrophic or natural disasters and emergencies.

B. The Department shall offer a vaccination program for first

responders who may be exposed to infectious diseases when deployed

to disaster locations. The vaccinations shall include, but are not

limited to, hepatitis B vaccination, diphtheria-tetanus vaccination,

influenza vaccination, and other vaccinations when recommended by

the United States Public Health Service and in accordance with

Federal Emergency Management Directors Policy. Immune globulin will

be made available when necessary.

C. Participation in the vaccination program will be voluntary

by the first responders, except for first responders who are

classified as having “occupational exposure” to bloodborne pathogens

as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Standard contained at 29 CFR 1910.1030. First responders who are

classified as having “occupational exposure” to bloodborne pathogens

shall be required to take the designated vaccinations.

D. A first responder shall be exempt from vaccinations when a

written statement from a licensed physician is presented indicating

that a vaccine is medically contraindicated for that person or the

first responder signs a written statement that the administration of

a vaccination conflicts with their religious tenets.

E. In the event of a vaccine shortage, the Director, in

consultation with the Governor and the Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention, shall give priority for vaccination to first

responders.

F. The Department shall notify first responders of the

availability of the vaccination program and shall provide

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 63. Public Health and Safety

educational materials on ways to prevent exposure to infectious

diseases.

G. The Department may contract with county and local health

departments, not-for-profit home health care agencies, hospitals and

physicians to administer a vaccination program for first responders.

H. This section shall be effective upon receipt of federal

funding and/or federal grants for administering a first responders

vaccination program. Upon receipt of such funding, the Department

shall make available the vaccines to first responders as provided in

this section. If federal funds for these vaccines cease, the state

shall not be liable for the continuation or cost of vaccines.

Added by Laws 2003, c. 292, § 1, emerg. eff. May 27, 2003.