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Alaska2026Passed Legislature

HB238

HB238: Childhood Immunizations

Last scannedSep 12, 2026, 4:46 AM

In one sentence

This bill updates Alaska law to define which vaccines are included in the statewide program and adds pediatric immunizations as an optional service for medical assistance.

What it does

  • Changes the definition of 'included vaccine' to include shots recommended by federal health groups or, for children up to age 18, by the American Academy of Pediatrics if listed by the commissioner.
  • Adds a list of optional services that the Department may offer under the state's medical assistance plan.

Who it affects

  • Children and adolescents in Alaska who are 18 years old or younger.
  • The state agency that manages medical assistance programs.

Limits and unknowns

  • The bill says the department 'may' offer these services, so it does not guarantee that every child will receive them.
  • The effective date of this law is not listed in the provided source material.

Plain language

Terms to know

included vaccine
A shot recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the CDC, or for children up to age 18 by the American Academy of Pediatrics, that is included on a list maintained by the commissioner.
medical assistance
State-funded health coverage programs where optional services may be offered.

Official record

Sources

Validated

Official summary

CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATIONS An Act relating to the statewide immunization program; and relating to medical assistance for immunizations for children and adolescents 18 years of age or younger.

Official activity

Bill history

  1. (H) REFERRED TO HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES1447
  2. (H) HSS, JUD1447
  3. (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS1447
  4. (H) PREFILE RELEASED 1/9/261447