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SB 5982

Updating the definition of "vaccine" in RCW 70.290.010 to include all federal food and drug administration-approved immunizations recommended by the centers for disease control and prevention.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Annette Cleveland and 14 co-sponsors

Washington expands its legal definition of "vaccine" to include all FDA-approved CDC-recommended immunizations, broadening state health regulations' scope.

Effective date 3/13/2024.
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Bill Summary · SB 5982

Legislative bill overview

SB 5982 updates Washington state law to redefine "vaccine" in public health statutes to encompass all FDA-approved immunizations recommended by the CDC, rather than a narrower definition. The bill expands the scope of vaccines covered under existing state regulations and public health frameworks.

Why is this important

This change affects how Washington's public health system classifies and regulates immunizations, potentially influencing vaccine requirements, insurance coverage, and health department protocols. It modernizes definitions to align with current CDC guidance and federal approvals, ensuring consistency across state health policies.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope expansion: Broadening the definition may automatically bring additional immunizations under existing vaccine-related regulations without explicit legislative debate on each vaccine type
  • Interpretation ambiguity: Linking the definition to CDC recommendations creates dependency on federal guidance that can change, raising questions about state legislative oversight
  • Implementation effects: Unclear how this affects existing vaccine mandates, exemptions, and requirements in schools, healthcare settings, and other contexts covered under prior definitions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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