ICYMI: Congresswoman Schrier Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Childhood Vaccine Access

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), reintroduced the bipartisan Strengthening the Vaccines for Children Program Act, which would strengthen the Vaccines for Children Program by expanding the program and reducing barriers to routine vaccinations. Congresswoman Schrier is joined in introducing this legislation by Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13).

"As a pediatrician, I've seen how immunizations keep children safe and healthy," said Congresswoman Schrier. "At a time when our public health infrastructure is under threat, it is more important than ever that we work to protect access to lifesaving vaccines. In its three decades, the Vaccines for Children Program has ensured that all children, regardless of their family's financial situation, can be protected from vaccine-preventable diseases. This bill will improve this program, increasing access to vaccines and keeping our kids safe."

The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program was first established in 1994 to ensure that all children could receive their recommended vaccines, regardless of their family's financial status. Since its creation, the program has helped prevent approximately 508 million illnesses and has saved over 1.1 million lives.

However, it can still be a challenge for children to access primary care. This legislation would address this issue by bolstering the pediatric vaccine delivery system and supporting primary care physicians who participate in the program.

The Strengthening the Vaccines for Children Program Act will:

• Improve patient access and care by expanding program eligibility to cover more children at more locations
• Expand vaccine counseling and education reimbursement to combat vaccine hesitancy
• Track immunizations to better understand disparities and find pockets of under-vaccination

"This legislation represents a critical opportunity to improve payment to frontline physicians and healthcare providers and better incentivize the physician-patient relationship when making sensitive decisions about children's health. For the past thirty years, the VFC Program has provided eligible families across the United States with access to life-saving immunizations at no cost. This bill will expand necessary counselling services to ensure that families are well informed about their approach to their children's health," said Congressman Joyce.

"Seattle Children's is proud to support this bill and believes vaccines are the simplest, most effective way to keep kids healthy and in the classroom," said Seattle Children's Chief Executive Officer Dr. Christopher Longhurst. "We're grateful to Congresswoman Schrier and her commitment to cutting through the bureaucracy that often stands between a child and their health. By making vaccines more accessible and ensuring pediatricians have the support they need to guide parents through those decisions, we are protecting the health of the entire community."

"Vaccines have changed our lives. And we know that most parents value the opportunity to protect their children through vaccination. Since 1994, the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program has been instrumental in ensuring that all families have that opportunity. Yet, we also know that for many reasons, children can be missing one or more vaccinations. By further improving access to and efficiency of the VFC program, not only will more children be protected, but our communities will be healthier as well. Thank you to Congresswoman Schrier and Congressman Joyce for working to protect our children, our families, and our communities against these life-altering tragedies of the past that, without ready access to vaccines, will become tragedies of the present, " said Director Paul A. Offit and Co-Director Charlotte A. Moser, Vaccine Education Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

"Vaccines work to keep children and our communities healthy. The Vaccines for Children Program was designed to ensure all children can have access to vaccines, but the program must be strengthened so that it can better meet the needs of children and families across the country. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is proud to support the Strengthening the Vaccines for Children Program Act at a time when families deserve clear, evidence-based guidance about their health, the opportunity to have any of their vaccine questions answered and consistent access to lifesaving vaccinations. The AAP applauds Rep. Kim Schrier (D-Wash.) and Rep. John Joyce (R-Pa.) for their leadership on this bipartisan legislation, and calls on Congress to advance it without delay," said American Academy of Pediatrics President Andrew D. Racine, MD, PhD, FAAP.

"As a family physician, I see every day how vaccines protect children from serious, preventable diseases. This bill takes important steps to make vaccines more accessible, support the time we spend counseling families, and ensure more children get the care they need. Expanding and supporting immunization programs like Vaccines for Children is one of the most effective ways we can keep our communities healthy," said Sarah C. Nosal, MD, FAAFP, President, AAFP.

This legislation is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Hospital, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

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