COVID-19 Response

AVAC Member Launches New Educational Website on COVID Vaccine

The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), an AVAC member, announced the launch of a new educational website, COVID Vaccine Facts. The goal of the website is to address frequent questions about COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine development, with a specific focus on educating both providers and the general public in the US. On the website, which is […]

AVAC Cited in Editorial on Need for Pharmacy/Clinic Communication

COVID-19 Vaccine Success Depends on Equitable Distribution for All

The nation is about to overcome a major hurdle in the battle against COVID-19: development of an effective vaccine. The next essential step is ensuring that those who need the vaccine most can access and afford it. AVAC is committed to the equitable allocation, distribution, access, and utilization of a future COVID-19 vaccine.

AVAC Joins Stakeholders in Letter to Congress About Preparing for COVID-19 Vaccine

October 22, 2020 Dear Majority Leader McConnell, Speaker Pelosi, and Minority Leaders Schumer and McCarthy: As the nation continues to struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative that the federal government, in coordination with state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, as well as public health, primary care physicians, pharmacists, and other health care providers […]

AVAC Leads Stakeholder Letter on Equitable COVID Vaccine Distribution

Dear Secretary Azar, ADM Giroir, Director Redfield, Commissioner Hahn, and Chief Advisor Slaoui:   As the nation plans for the upcoming allocation, distribution, and administration of a new COVID-19 pandemic vaccine, we write to emphasize that the success of that plan will be judged by how well it ensures equitable access for all. While continued efforts on testing […]

AVAC’s Infographic Explains Accelerated Development of COVID Vaccine

AVAC is Pleased to Support the Community Immunity During COVID-19 Act

August 17, 2020 Press Release The Community Immunity During COVID-19 Act responds to an alarming decline in immunization rates for life-saving vaccines WASHINGTON— Today, Representatives Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), Kathy Castor (FL-14), and Ann McLane Kuster (NH-02) introduced new legislation to reverse the dangerous decrease in vaccination rates, which have plummeted during […]

AVAC Manager Abby Bownas Discusses Adult Vaccine Access in Avalere Podcast

You can read a transcript of the discussion below or listen to the podcast here. Transcription Richard: Hello and welcome to another episode of Avalere Health Essential Voice in our Start Your Day with Avalere Health podcast series. My name is Richard Hughes and I lead our vaccines team at Avalere. I am joined today […]

Immunizing in a COVID-19 Environment: Best Practices

AVAC hosted the second briefing in a series on “Immunizing in a COVID-19 Environment.” The briefing featured a discussion on best practices for immunizing in the adult population, ways to vaccinate safely during an emergency pandemic, and legislative steps that can be taken now to prepare for the upcoming flu season and future COVID-19 vaccine.

AVAC Sends CMS Recommendations Around Improving Adult Immunization

Memo To:  Seema Verma, Administrator for the Center for Medicare at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services From: Adult Vaccine Access Coalition (Abby Bownas / Lisa Foster, AVAC Managers) CC: Brady Brookes; Demetrios Kouzoukas; Kimberly Brandt; and Jeffrey Kelman Date: 7/29/2020 Re: Recommendations to CMS around improving Adult Immunizations Incentivize beneficiary uptake of recommended […]

AVAC Spotlight: Dr. Ruth Carrico, University of Louisville’s School of Medicine

At AVAC’s June briefing, Dr. Ruth Carrico, an infectious disease professor and nurse practitioner from the University of Louisville’s School of Medicine, shared her long-standing success with drive-through influenza vaccination programs, and how they can be replicated in a COVID-19 environment to increase immunization rates.

AVAC Spotlight: Laura Morris, MD – University of Missouri

During AVAC’s June briefing on immunizing in a COVID-19 environment, Dr. Laura Morris explained how she counsels patients on immunization by basing her advice on science and making clear and strong recommendations.