KRS 194A.410: Vaccination program for emergency responders.

(1) The department shall offer a vaccination program for emergency responders who

may be exposed to infectious diseases when deployed to a disaster location. The

program shall include, but not be limited to, vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis

B, diphtheri a-tetanus, influenza, pneumococcal, and any other diseases for which

vaccinations are recommended by the United States Public Health Service and in

accordance with Federal Emergency Management Director's Policy. Immune

globulin shall be made available when necessary.

(2) (a) Participation in the vaccination program shall be voluntary by emergency

responders.

(b) Participation in the vaccination program shall be mandatory for emergency

responders who are:

1. Classified as having "occupational exposure" to bl oodborne pathogens

as defined by the United States Occupational Safety and Health

Administration Standard in 29 C.F.R. sec. 1910.1030, who shall be

required to take the designated vaccinations; and

2. Otherwise required by law to take the designated vaccinations.

(3) An emergency responder shall be exempt from receiving a vaccination when a

written statement from a licensed physician is presented to the department

indicating that a vaccine is medically contraindicated for that person or the

emergency respon der signs a written statement that the administration of a

vaccination conflicts with his or her religious tenets.

(4) In the event of a vaccine shortage, the commissioner, in consultation with the

Governor and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shall

use federal recommendations to determine the priority for emergency responders.

(5) The department shall notify emergency responders of the availability of the

vaccination program and shall provide educational materials to emergency

responders on ways to prevent exposure to infectious diseases.

(6) The department may contract with county and local health departments, not -for-

profit home health care agencies, hospitals, physicians, or other licensed health care

organizations to administer the vaccination program for emergency responders.

(7) This program shall be implemented upon receipt of federal funding or grants for

administering an emergency responders vaccination program. Upon receipt of

funding, the department shall make vaccines available to emergency responders as

provided in this section.