Washington, D.C. (November 15, 2024) — Yesterday, President-elect Trump nominated a world-renowned vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The Adult Vaccine Access Coalition (AVAC) is deeply concerned with his selection and urges members of the United States Senate to closely examine his background and his ability to ..read more

A strong immunization infrastructure promotes disease prevention and mitigates the potential widespread consequences of a devastating disease outbreak. Download the factsheet ..read more

AVAC submitted a letter to Chairwoman Baldwin, Chairman Aderholt, and Ranking Members Capito and DeLauro asking for increased funding of immunization-related activities as part of the fiscal year (FY) 2025 Appropriations bill, including: $1.6 billion for the National Immunization Program; $241 million for Influenza Planning and Response at CDC’s NCIRD; and $150 million for CDC’s ..read more

To increase vaccine access and utilization, we must strengthen the policy and payment environment for vaccines, including supporting providers through educational resources and addressing the unique challenges that come with stocking, carrying and administering vaccines in various health care settings. Download the factsheet ..read more

Improvements to Medicare Vaccine Access Recent federal policy changes are expected to greatly improve access to and utilization of adult vaccines. Starting January 2023, adults with Medicare Part D coverage have access to Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)‑recommended vaccines at no cost, including Shingles, Tetanus-Diphtheria-Whooping Cough and future vaccines. This makes vaccine coverage consistent ..read more

Previously, Texas Medicaid did not cover the Pneumococcal, Shingles, Tdap, or Hepatitis B vaccines without cost sharing for eligible adults. By improving vaccination coverage, the state of Texas has the opportunity to realize millions of dollars in cost savings resulting from increased vaccination uptake and reduced incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases and associated treatment costs. Download ..read more

Improving adult vaccination rates is critical to our nation’s health and economic prosperity: Every year, our country spends $26.5 billion treating adults for diseases that could have easily been prevented through vaccination. Vaccines don’t just reduce the overall incidence of preventable diseases: In some cases, they all but eradicate them. In the U.S., smallpox, diphtheria ..read more

Previously, South Carolina Medicaid did not cover the Shingles vaccine for eligible adults, nor did it cover the Pneumococcal, Tdap, or Hepatitis B vaccines without cost sharing. By improving vaccination coverage, the state of South Carolina has the opportunity to realize millions of dollars in cost savings resulting from reduced vaccination uptake and lowered incidence ..read more

Previously, Georgia Medicaid did not cover the Pneumococcal vaccine for eligible adults, nor did it cover the Shingles, Tdap, or Hepatitis B vaccines without cost sharing. By improving vaccination coverage, the state of Georgia has the opportunity to realize millions of dollars in cost savings resulting from increased vaccination uptake and reduced incidence of vaccine-preventable ..read more

Previously, Florida Medicaid did not cover the Shingles, Tdap, Hepatitis B, or Pneumococcal vaccines for eligible adults. By improving vaccination coverage, the state of Florida has the opportunity to realize millions of dollars in cost savings resulting from increased vaccination uptake and reduced incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases and associated treatment costs. Download the factsheet here ..read more