Influenza vaccinations; require hospitals to offer to certain inpatients age 50 and older prior to discharge.

SB 2551 would require Mississippi hospitals to offer influenza vaccinations to two specific groups of inpatients during flu season (October 1 through March 1): all patients aged 65 and older, and patients aged 50 and older who are at an increased risk of flu complications. Hospitals must make this offer before discharge, unless the vaccine is unavailable or medically contraindicated for the patient. The bill also protects hospitals from civil liability for complying or not complying with this requirement, as long as the action wasn't willful misconduct or gross negligence. The legislation was scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026, but died in committee in February 2026.