Resources

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 […]

Building Trust in and Access to a COVID-19 Vaccine Among People of Color and Tribal Nations

AVAC manager Abby Bownas was honored to be part of a discussion in October 2020 on building confidence in COVID-19 vaccines among communities of color. Led by TFAH, the National Medical Association, and UnidosUS, the purpose of the convening was to advise policymakers on the barriers to vaccine receptivity within communities of color and tribal […]

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 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 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

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 Strongly Supports the Helping Adults Protect Immunity (HAPI) Act

November 10, 2020 Dear Senator Sherrod Brown and Representative Darren Soto, We write to express our strong support for the Helping Adults Protect Immunity (HAPI) Act. We appreciate your bi-cameral leadership to strengthen access to immunizations under Medicaid. Medicaid, along with the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a federal-state insurance partnership that provides coverage […]

There is Not Only One Meningitis Vaccine – Two Mothers’ Stories

We thought our daughters were protected. In both of our cases, when the doctors told us our daughters had meningitis, we thought – “that can’t be. Our daughters were vaccinated against meningitis.” What we didn’t know, and what so many children and parents still don’t know today, is that there are two types of meningitis vaccines needed to be fully vaccinated against meningococcal disease—MenACWY and MenB.