Vaccine Infrastructure

AVAC Urges Support of the Immunization Infrastructure Modernization Act

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

AVAC Sends Recommendations on Immunization Infrastructure During COVID Pandemic

Adult Vaccine Access Coalition’s Recommendations to Strengthen Immunization Infrastructure for COVID-19 Response The Adult Vaccine Access Coalition (AVAC) would like to take this opportunity to share ideas to help strengthen and enhance immunization infrastructure in the context of COVID-19 public health response efforts. The CARES Act provided an infusion of resources to help address immediate […]

AVAC Letter to Senate Finance Committee on Solutions to Improve Maternal Health

The Adult Vaccine Access Coalition (AVAC) appreciated the opportunity to respond to the Senate Finance Committee’s request for evidence-based proposals to improve maternal health. Low maternal immunization rates are one of the many factors contributing to poor maternal health outcomes in the United States. AVAC made several recommendations including reducing financial barriers for pregnant women; […]

Vaccine Infrastructure And Education Is The Best Medical Investment Our Country Can Make

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared vaccines to be one of the most important public health interventions of the twentieth century, second only to clean water. Yet, we are seeing an increase in preventable infectious disease outbreaks, gaps in long-standing vaccine practices, and a growth in sociodemographic disparities in vaccination rates, particularly among children who live in rural areas or who are uninsured.