ICYMI: Rep. Schrier's Bill to Increase Vaccine Access for Children Passed Out of Subcommittee

July 19, 2021

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, last week the Subcommittee on Health of the Committee on Energy and Commerce passed 19 public health bills, including Representative Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)'s bill to increase routine immunizations for children. The bipartisan Strengthening the Vaccines for Children Program Act was introduced in April and builds on and improves the successful Vaccines for Children (VFC) program that ensures children can access vaccines at no-cost. The bill now moves on to the full Energy and Commerce committee for consideration. Rep. Schrier's remarks on her bill can be found here.

"As both a pediatrician and a mom, I am worried about the drop in routine childhood immunizations during the pandemic. Last spring, when schools closed and people stayed home, childhood immunization rates plummeted," said Rep. Schrier. "As the economy opens and we send our kids back to school, we are already seeing summer colds. Let's make sure we don't end up with outbreaks of pertussis or measles because kids aren't getting caught up on their immunizations."

Every eligible child should be able to receive vaccinations at no cost. However, under current law, there are several barriers that can stop a child from receiving immunizations from their trusted provider. This bill improves patient access and care by expanding VFC eligibility to cover more children at more locations. In addition, this legislation also:

Expands vaccine counseling and education reimbursement to combat vaccine hesitancy
Tracks immunizations to better understand disparities and find pockets of under-vaccination, and
Encourages public understanding of the benefits of immunization

As children across the country prepare to begin a new school year, it's crucial that they are caught up on immunizations. The Strengthening the Vaccines for Children Program Act includes provisions to make that a reality.

Last month, the Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing on increasing access to life-saving vaccines. One of the bills highlighted at the hearing was the Strengthening the Vaccines for Children Program Act. Rep. Schrier's remarks in the committee hearing can be found here.