Ensuring that all individuals have access to recommended vaccines \u2014 the most effective way to protect both children and adults from many serious and potentially deadly diseases \u2014 is a public health priority. Several federal programs exist to advance vaccine access and equity. For more than 30 years, the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program, a federally funded program, has provided all ACIP-recommended vaccines free of cost to children who may not otherwise be able to be vaccinated due to inability pay. Furthermore, in response to COVID-19 vaccines\u2019 transition to the commercial market, CDC and HHS established the Bridge Access Program, which provides free COVID-19 vaccines for the 25-30 million adults who do not have health insurance or whose health insurance does not cover all COVID-19 vaccine costs.<\/p>\n
However, as the Bridge Access Program is set to expire at the end of 2024, the U.S. may soon face a major gap in vaccine equity as uninsured adults will be without a federal program that ensures their access to free vaccines. Given the success of the VFC program, public health advocates have called for a Vaccines for Adults or Vaccines for All program that would ensure that both children and adults\u2014regardless of their insurance status\u2014have access to all recommended vaccines.<\/p>\n
To further this ongoing conversation, the COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project hosted an online event aimed at examining the need for a federal vaccine program such as Vaccines for Adults or Vaccines for All. Panelists discussed the low rates of recommended adult immunizations and the need for a federal program that ensures adults\u2019 access to vaccines, the success of the VFC program as a model, and the potential impacts of the creation of such a program.<\/p>\n
Panelists included:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Watch the discussion below.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n