COVID-19 Task Force Recommends Enforcing Vaccine Schedule

Being a physician in the District in the 21st century means being on the front line of the most pressing public health issues in the world. In our small geographic boundaries, physicians help address issue found in every state all in one area. The issues are too lengthy to list on one webpage but physicians are on the front lines of addressing health issues for all District residents.

News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues

25th Council session information coming soon.

COVID-19 Task Force Recommends Enforcing Vaccine Schedule

Jun 5, 2020, 08:52 AM by MSDC Staff

The MSDC COVID-19 Task Force strongly recommends all District schools enforce their vaccine schedule to prevent an autumn health care crisis.

Concerns about a second COVID-19 wave and parents delaying care led the MSDC COVID-19 Task Force to make a strong recommendation on the importance of vaccines.

At its meeting last night, the task force issued a recommendation that DC public and charter schools enforce its vaccination requirements for the next school year, even if in-person schooling is not possible.

The task force was concerned that a drop in vaccinations could introduce outbreaks of even more transmittable deadly diseases in the fall at the same time the seasonal flu and a possible second COVID-19 wave hits. A measles or whooping cough outbreak could quickly overwhelm the District's health facilities and lead to numerous adverse consequences.

In addition to vaccines, the task force discussed antibody testing updates, protecting vulnerable populations, and the impact of the political protests on the spread of COVID19.

The task force will next meet on July 9 at 5 PM ET.

Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.

MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools

Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).

MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.

Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.

MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.

Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.