IDSA Working with Congress on Immunization Bills

New adult immunizations coverage bill introduced

Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) have introduced the Protecting Seniors Through Immunization Act, a bill that IDSA, in partnership with other members of the Adult Vaccines Access Coalition, helped to develop. The bill seeks to improve coverage of ACIP recommended vaccinations for adults 65+ by removing financial barriers to immunization access through the elimination of out-of-pocket costs for all vaccines covered under Medicare Part D.

IDSA strongly supports the objectives to increase access to adult immunizations by ensuring that vaccines covered under Part D are treated like those covered under Part B. Studies have shown that eliminating out-of-pocket costs significantly increases an individual’s likelihood to receive vaccinations.  Stay tuned for opportunities to help IDSA advocate for this bill’s passage.

Senate committee to advance immunizations bill

The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee held a hearing to consider the Lower Health Care Costs Act, a large bill that will include provisions supporting research to better inform health care provider conversations with vaccine-hesitant families and other efforts to improve public messaging on vaccines and surveillance. These provisions are very similar to the bipartisan VACCINES Act, which hundreds of IDSA members have already urged their legislators to support. The Committee intends to approve the bill later this summer, paving the way for consideration by the full Senate. Our members’ advocacy is helping to build momentum for this important bill.  Click here to contact your senators and representatives to help advance this bill.