Conn. looks to expand immunizations

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Gov. Dannel P. Malloy is looking to expand Connecticut's childhood immunization program through a budget proposal that allocates $11.7 million in new funding.

The proposed funding will allow three new vaccines to be available at reduced costs through the program. These vaccines, pneumococcal conjugate, hepatitis A and influenza, are currently required for day care and pre-kindergarten enrollment.

If added, the state's childhood immunization program will cover all but two of the vaccines recommended by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In his budget Malloy also recommends an evaluation of potential policy changes to the program. These changes include expanding it to cover more CDC-recommended vaccines and requiring universal participation in the program among healthcare providers.