Resources

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.

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 […]