In the event of an existing or threatened influenza vaccine shortage due to an abnormal market disruption or other extraordinary adverse circumstance, the Governor may issue an executive order proclaiming that an influenza vaccine shortage exists. Prior to issuing such a proclamation, the Governor shall consult with the State Health Commissioner. An executive order proclaiming that an influenza vaccine shortage exists shall not be issued unless the Governor determines that:
1. The amount of influenza vaccine available for administration in the Commonwealth is not reasonably sufficient to provide influenza vaccinations to those persons residing in the Commonwealth who are in primary target groups recommended for annual influenza vaccination in accordance with the most recently available recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the federal Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and
2. Price gouging with respect to influenza vaccine is occurring or is likely to occur as the proximate result of the influenza vaccine shortage.
History
2005, c. 861.
