Advocating for

Infectious Disease Control and Vaccinations

Policy solutions are needed 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.

Vaccines protect against a range of preventable infectious diseases.

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

Immunization coverage is uneven across regions and demographics.

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

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

Data to Power Your Advocacy

POLICY AIMS

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.

 

Expand Access and Distribution

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

Increase Financial Support and Incentives

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

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 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 providing other basic and preventive health services. Policies that expand access to preventive health services mobile health have the opportunity to make systems-level approach to improving vaccine access, strengthening public health infrastructure, and advancing 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.

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