Advancing Policies for

Infectious Disease Control and Vaccinations

Policymakers must implement solutions to better control infectious disease outbreaks and increase vaccine uptake. Information, data points, policies, and resources on this page were curated to help advocates learn and take action on infectious disease control and vaccine policy.

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MENTAL & BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Environmental Health & the Climate

Infectious Diseases & Vaccination

Maternal & Infant Health

Nutrition & Food Security

Substance Use Prevention

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Vaccines protect against a range of preventable infectious diseases.

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Rising incidence of infectious disease outbreaks are linked to low immunization coverage.

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Immunization coverage is uneven across regions and demographics.

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Despite being safe and effective, misinformation about and distrust in vaccines is undermining vaccination efforts.

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Building trust in vaccine-hesitant communities is essential to achieve full immunization coverage.

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Learn more about Infectious Diseases & Vaccinations

Data to Power Your Advocacy

We can transform our policies, systems, and environments to ensure equitable access to vaccines and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. The below policy aims and example policies and programs can be advanced to improve vaccination rates and address public health disparities.

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Expand Access and Distribution

Ensuring equitable vaccine access by addressing logistical barriers and improving outreach efforts.

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Increase Financial Support and Incentives

Reducing financial barriers and incentivizing vaccination uptake to improve coverage rates.

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Advance Regulatory Measures

Implementing policies to ensure consistent and universal vaccination coverage.

Better Access to Vaccines Means Better Access to Other Preventive Health Services

Policies that expand access to mobile clinics and other community-based clinics increase access to vaccines, preventive health services, and health promotions for many difficult-to-reach populations, including rural communities and migratory workers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, such approaches were deployed across many community types to meet COVID-19 testing, cancer screening, and vaccination needs. We have not yet unlocked the full potential of such approaches to provide vaccines, cancer screening, tests for COVID-19, HIV, and other infectious diseases, and other basic and preventive health services. Policies that expand access to preventive health services can drive systems-level improvements in vaccine access, strengthen public health infrastructure, and advance health equity.

ADVANCING FEDERAL POLICIES

Vaccines for Children Program Expansion

The Vaccines for Chilren Program Expansion, ensures children from low-income families receive free vaccinations. Recent expansions include:

Increased funding to cover additional vaccines recommended by the CDC.

Enhanced outreach to rural and underserved communities.

The American Rescue Plan Act

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) passed in March 2021, included substantial investments in healthcare access to address the increased need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key elements include:

Funding to establish mass vaccination sites and deploy mobile vaccination units.

Expansion of free vaccine programs and increased funding for public health initiatives.

Learn and Act with Community Commons

Policies and information contained in this module are based on the Public Health Policy Information Sheet which was prepared by WE Public Health, LLC for the American Public Health Association and Public Health AmeriCorps.