Rep. Schrier, Secretary Becerra Tour School-Based Health Center, Bring Awareness to Importance of Routine Childhood Immunizations
RENTON, WA – Today Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. and Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra toured a school-based health clinic at Renton High School to bring awareness to the drop in routine childhood vaccinations. Rep. Schrier, a pediatrician, has been urging parents to make sure their children are up-to-date with these life-saving vaccines.
“We have a seen a worrying drop in routine pediatric vaccinations over the last two years. And the last thing we need right now is an epidemic on top of a pandemic,“ said Rep. Schrier. “I was very glad to welcome HHS Secretary Becerra to the 8th district to help bring awareness to childhood vaccinations. I hope parents who see this do take action to keep their children safe and healthy.”
Just last week Rep. Schrier spoke with Secretary Becerra during a Health Subcommittee hearing about childhood vaccinations and supporting pediatricians who take the appropriate amount of time to counsel parents. Vaccine confidence has declined during the pandemic and pediatricians need to take more time to answer parents’ questions. The Secretary has prioritized more support for pediatricians in his FY2023 budget and Rep. Schrier applauded him for it.
Rep. Schrier has also pushed for more funding for the Vaccines for Children program through her bill, the Strengthening the Vaccines for Children Program Act. This bipartisan bill will ensure that children have access to life-saving childhood immunizations at no cost to them or their families. Over 50% of childhood vaccinations are administered through this program.
The Secretary and Rep. Schrier visited the Renton High School school-based health center, the same one Rep. Schrier volunteered at last year.
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Caption: Rep. Schrier and Secretary Becerra with the HealthPoint team at Renton High School.