Supporting Providers

Examining Provider-Focused Vaccine Policy Reforms

Immunization is an important component of public health and preventive care; however, for adults, uptake of Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)-recommended vaccines is below national targets. This white paper from Avalere, funded by AVAC, details providers’ efforts to stock, administer, and receive payment for vaccines, and highlights considerations for patient access and potential future […]

AVAC Memo RE: CMS-1770-P Medicare Program: CY 2023 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements etc.

FROM: The Adult Vaccine Access Coalition (AVAC) TO: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Attention: CMS-1770-P DATE: September 6, 2022 RE: CMS-1770-P Medicare Program: CY 2023 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements etc.  The Adult Vaccine Access Coalition (AVAC) appreciates the […]

AVAC Letter to OIDP Vaccines Federal Implementation Plan Public Comment

March 29, 2022  David Kim, M.D.  Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy   Department of Health and Human Services 200 Independence Ave. SW Washington, DC  20201 RE: Vaccines Federal Implementation Plan Public Comment  Dear Dr. Kim:  As participants in the Adult Vaccine Access Coalition (AVAC), we appreciate the opportunity to comment on the Office of […]

AVAC Offers Comments on the CY2022 Physician Fee Schedule

 September 13, 2021  RE: CMS-1751-P Medicare Program: CY 2022 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; Provider Enrollment Regulation Updates; Provider and Supplier Prepayment and Post-Payment Medical Review Requirements  To Whom It May Concern:  As participants in the Adult Vaccine Access Coalition […]

AVAC Asks CMS for Clarification on Physician Fee Schedule Update

 January 22, 2021  Dear Director Blackford:  On behalf of members of the Adult Vaccine Access Coalition (AVAC), we write respectfully to request that CMS provide clarifying instruction to the MACs, following the Physician Fee Schedule Update of January 7, 2021, that payment amounts set in the final CY21 MPFS rule for immunization administration services described […]

HHS Releases Updated Draft of National Strategic Plan for Vaccines 2021-2025

The Vaccines National Strategic Plan 2021–2025 (Plan) provides a vision for the U.S. vaccine and immunization enterprise for the next five years. The Plan articulates a comprehensive strategy to enhance all aspects of vaccines and vaccination including research and development, safety, vaccine knowledge and confidence, increased access and use of routinely recommended vaccines, and global […]

AVAC Advises CMS on Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

January 4, 2021  Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services  Department of Health and Human Services  Attention: CMS-9912-IFC  P.O. Box 8016,  Baltimore, MD 21244-8016 comports  RE: RIN 0938-AU35: Additional Policy and Regulatory Revisions in Response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency CMS-9912-IFC  To Whom It May Concern:  As participants in the Adult Vaccine Access Coalition (AVAC), […]

Developing the 2020 National Vaccine Plan

A comprehensive 2020 Vaccines National Strategic Plan (VNSP) is more important now than ever before. As our nation prepares for upcoming COVID-19 vaccines, we know that issues of equitable distribution and access for all–particularly for the populations most at risk– are critical in determining the pace and success of the nation’s recovery. Allocation, distribution, access, and utilization of the COVID-19 vaccine will likely be the greatest public health effort of our generation. And while this effort will present significant challenges, it also brings a new opportunity to expand the strength of existing immunization program infrastructure in the United States.

AVAC Responds to Request for Information on the Vaccines National Strategic Plan Draft

December 3, 2020   David Kim, M.D.   Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy    Department of Health and Human Services200 Independence Ave. SW  Washington, DC  20201   RE: Request for Information (RFI): Vaccines National Strategic Plan Draft Available for Public Comment   Dear Dr. Kim,  As participants in the Adult Vaccine Access Coalition (AVAC), we appreciate the opportunity to comment […]

AVAC Cited in Editorial on Need for Pharmacy/Clinic Communication

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 […]