HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 57
(By Delegates Lane, Argento, Border, Eldridge, Perdue, and
Rodighiero)
[February 26, 2007]
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to conduct
a study on the need to eliminate mercury and mercury
preservatives (thimerosal) in vaccines.
W
HEREAS
, Current state law does not prohibit the use of
mercury, mercury preservatives or other mercury compounds in
vaccines; and
W
HEREAS
, Several studies have indicated that vaccines
containing mercury, mercury preservatives or other mercury
compounds pose various health risks when administered to young
children and pregnant women; and
W
HEREAS
, Further study and reform is therefore needed to
determine whether the presence of mercury, mercury preservatives or
other mercury compounds should be eliminated from childhood
vaccines; and
W
HEREAS
, Discourse between representatives of local
governments, the Department of Health and Human Services, vaccine
manufacturers, public health advocates, and other concerned parties
would greatly advance the process of formulating a solution to this potential health risk; therefore be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study the presence of mercury or thimersasol in
vaccines and the health risks associated with the presence of
mercury and mercury preservatives such as thimerasol; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2008, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.