Dear Representatives Kuster and Bucshon,
As the Congress and our nation continue to respond to the public health emergency that is overtaking our nation, members of the Adult Vaccine Access Coalition (AVAC) thank you for introducing the Immunization Infrastructure Modernization Act.
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.
We appreciate that your legislation 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 thank you for introducing the Immunization Infrastructure Modernization Act, and for your steadfast leadership around promoting access to and utilization of adult immunizations. Members of AVAC stand ready to work with you on this, and other important and effective solutions around vaccines.
Sincerely,
American Academy of Family 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
Medicago
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