AVAC Leads Stakeholders in Support Letter for IIS Modernization

Members of AVAC joined with partners and allies to ask Congressional leadership to include the Immunization Infrastructure Modernization Act (H.R. 550) in any next COVID-19 response package. The Immunization Infrastructure Modernization Act provides the framework needed for the national COVID-19 vaccination campaign, while also improving systems to manage “routine” immunization efforts and outbreaks of other vaccine preventable diseases. This legislation is critical for the success of the nation’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan.

Letters to Congress
COVID-19 Response Vaccine Infrastructure
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 February 8, 2021 

Dear Leaders Schumer, McConnell, Pelosi and McCarthy, 

As the Congress and our nation continue to respond to the public health emergency that is overtaking our nation, members of AVAC join with partners and allies to ask that the Immunization Infrastructure Modernization Act (H.R. 550) be considered as part of any next Covid-19 response package. 

Immunizations are essential to protecting individuals across the life course from vaccine-preventable diseases and outbreaks. The ability to exchange immunization information across multiple jurisdictions has the ability to improve immunization rates, saving lives and dollars. Immunization Information Systems (IIS) are an essential tool for achieving this, informing providers of the vaccines a patient needs and when they need them. During past pandemics and natural disasters, IIS have been able to respond to the unique and pressing issues that these public health emergencies present for affected communities. However, IIS vary across states in terms of their capabilities and the breadth of patient information contained. 

The Immunization Infrastructure Modernization Act would provide much needed resources for IIS modernization and enhancements, and provide a desperately needed “shot in the arm” to successfully meet existing federal health goals as well as the future challenges of a mass pandemic vaccination campaign. Providing federal support and guidance to Health departments and health care providers at the state and local level to strengthen IIS, and to the health care information framework, would enable a successful response to a future pandemic vaccine, as well as manage “routine” immunization efforts and outbreaks of other vaccine preventable diseases, which could be happening simultaneously. 

Now is the time to streamline policies across states and localities to facilitate the secure and confidential sharing of immunization record data across IIS’ jurisdictions on a more permanent basis. This would reduce immunization gaps, empower providers, and integrate immunization data into 21st-century health systems. 

Again, we ask for your support for inclusion of Immunization Infrastructure Modernization Act. Our organizations stand ready to work with you on this, and other important and effective solutions around vaccines. 

Sincerely, 

American Academy of Family Physicians 

American Academy of Pediatrics 

American College of Physicians 

American Heart Association 

American Lung Association 

American Immunization Registry Association 

American Pharmacists Association 

American Public Health Association 

Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum 

Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO) 

Association of Immunization Managers 

Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology 

Biotechnology Innovation Organization 

Dynavax 

Families Fighting Flu 

GSK 

Hep B United 

Hepatitis B Foundation 

Immunization Action Coalition 

Infectious Diseases Society of America 

Kimberly Coffey Foundation 

Medicago 

Moderna 

National Association of County and City Health Officials 

National Consumers League 

National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable 

Public Health Informatics Institute 

Seqirus 

STChealth 

The Gerontological Society of America 

Trust for America’s Health 

Vaccinate Your Family