On September 13, the Ohio House Economic Development, Commerce, and Labor Committee reported out House Bill (HB) 193, which prohibits an employer from taking an adverse employment action against a person who has not been or will not be vaccinated against influenza.
“The flu vaccine is effective in maintaining a healthy and productive workforce, and preventing the spread of illness to and from patients in a medical setting. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) consistently finds that vaccines reduce the risk of flu illness by about 50-60% among the overall population during peak seasons, and reduced children’s risk of flu-related pediatric intensive care unit admission by 74% during flu seasons from 2010-12.
According to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Bureau of Labor Market Information, Ohio has a greying labor force. Central Ohio’s population of 65 years or older is expected to double over the next 35 years. Statewide, nearly a quarter of the population aged 55 or older is still working, and in Columbus, OH, a staggering 44% of older adults are in the labor force. Baby boomers are expected to continue working for longer and at rates much higher than prior generations. ODJFS recently stated, “The aging of the baby boom cohort will represent one of the largest public policy issues Ohio and the United States will face in the next 10 years.” The CDC recognizes that people 65 years and older are at greater risk of serious complications from the flu, and that the best prevention tool is vaccination. Instead of enacting policies to curb employers’ ability to foster a healthy and productive work environment, we encourage this committee to focus on combating the impending loss of human capital by protecting the health of those that wish to stay in the workforce longer. H.B. 193 does just the opposite.
Not only is the flu vaccine used by private employers to promote the health and safety of their employees and the community, but it also assists in keeping insurance and medical costs down. For the aforementioned reasons, the Columbus Chamber urges you to oppose HB 193.
Ohio House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger has indicated that he may re-refer the bill to another, health-related committee for review prior to having the full Ohio House vote. He stated that he felt the bill needed a lot of additional work.
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