SR 282

UNOFFICIAL COPY  26 RS BR 2609
1A RESOLUTION strongly encouraging all Kentuckians to be vaccinated for
2 preventable illnesses, including measles and meningitis, to protect their health and the
3 health of their families and communities.
4WHEREAS, the contributions of Louis Pasteur and Edward Jenner to the discovery
5 of the principles of vaccinology are among the most consequential health findings in
6 human history; and
7WHEREAS, a vaccine made possible the eradication of smallpox, saving millions
8 of lives; and
9WHEREAS, vaccines have dramatically reduced the spread of debilitating and
10 potentially life-threatening diseases, including diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, and
11 rubella; and
12WHEREAS, vaccines have prevented the spread of infectious and potentially fatal
13 diseases, including chickenpox, shingles, influenza, hepatitis A, hepatitis B,
14 meningococcal disease, pneumococcal disease, rotavirus, pertussis, and meningitis; and
15WHEREAS, vaccines can prevent certain cervical, head, and neck malignancies;
16 and
17WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in the
18 United States there have been 16 new outbreaks of the measles in 2026, with over 2,000
19 confirmed cases, and there were 48 outbreaks reported in 2025; and
20WHEREAS, up to 40% of people who get measles will have complications,
21 including ear infections, diarrhea, and pneumonia. Measles may cause inflammation of
22 the brain (encephalitis) in 1 of every 1,000 infections, and more rarely, blindness; and
23WHEREAS, about 1 to 3 children of every 1,000 infected with measles die from
24 respiratory and neurologic complications; and
25WHEREAS, meningitis is a devastating disease that can be deadly and often results
26 in serious long-term health issues such as brain damage, deafness, loss of limb(s), or
27 nervous system problems; and
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 UNOFFICIAL COPY  26 RS BR 2609
1WHEREAS, about 1 in 6 people who have bacterial meningitis die and 1 in 5 have
2 severe complications; and
3WHEREAS, vaccines are the most effective way to deliver long-lasting protection
4 from meningitis; and
5WHEREAS, vaccines are continuously monitored for safety even after approval by
6 the United States Food and Drug Administration; and
7WHEREAS, scientifically sound education and outreach campaigns about the
8 importance of vaccination and immunization are fundamental for a well-informed public;
9 and
10WHEREAS, communities with low vaccination rates compromise the health and
11 livelihood of infants, young children, seniors, individuals with immunodeficiency
12 disorders, and individuals with weakened or compromised immune systems;
13NOW, THEREFORE,
14 Be it resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of
15 Kentucky:
16Section 1.        The Senate hereby strongly encourages all Kentuckians to be
17 vaccinated for preventable illnesses including measles and meningitis, to protect their
18 health and the health of their families and communities.
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