Immunizations
Immunizations are a proven part of preventive care, saving lives, and protecting the health of the public. Unfortunately, third-party payment has not kept pace with the increasing cost of acquiring and administering vaccines.
Our Stance
AAFP calls for adequate payment for the full costs (direct and indirect) of providing immunizations in the medical home. Read the full policy on Immunizations.
MEMBER WINS
- Based in part on an in-person visit from the AAFP President and staff in September 2007, Merck implemented its Dose Replacement Program. It offers physicians a limited number of free replacement doses of the company's quadrivalent human papillomavirus, or HPV, vaccine, Gardasil. Read the AAFP News Now article.
AAFP Advocacy Activities
- On October 1, 2008, AAFP mailed an advocacy letter to 66 private payers requesting fair and adequate payment for immunizations and their administration. Read the letter (3-page PDF file). See the List of Recipients (1-page PDF file; About PDFs).
- On July 17, 2008, AAFP sent a letter to the four leading vaccine manufacturers -- GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, sanofi pasteur, and Wyeth -- recommending vaccine finance improvements they can make to help our members. Read the letter (3-page PDF file; About PDFs).
- AAFP member representative, Andrew Eisenberg, MD, presented and participated in a panel discussion at the America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) Roundtable on Vaccine Finance held on July 15, 2008.
- Address vaccine acquisition and administration issues during AAFP meetings with health plans.
- Attended and participated in the AMA-AAP Immunization Congress Task Forces (Provider Costs and Adult Problem Solving). Read more about the Immunization Congress.
Make Your Voice Heard
- We want to hear about your experiences. Submit a health plan grievance or view grievances submitted by other members (Members Only).
- Subscribe to our e-mail discussion list and hear what others are saying. (Members Only)
