CDC Vaccine Program Receives $300 Million Boost

More underinsured children will have access to immunizations as a result of $300 million in funds for vaccines and grants that is being distributed through the CDC's Section 317 program.

On April 9, Vice President Joe Biden announced the funding, which was included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, or ARRA.

The stimulus funds will be distributed using the 317 program's existing network of private and public immunization providers to make recommended vaccines available to underserved Americans in all 50 states and U.S. territories. Funds also will be used to support and expand the network.

Family physicians interested in working with their state public health agency to implement the ARRA funding can contact their state immunization programs.

According to the CDC, about 42,000 adults and more than 300 children die in the United States each year from vaccine-preventable diseases and their complications. The Section 317 program provides vaccines to underinsured children and adolescents not served by the CDC's Vaccines for Children program. As funding allows, the program also provides vaccines to uninsured and underinsured adults.

The stimulus funding, which will be split between fiscal years 2009 and 2010, will provide an additional $200 million to purchase vaccines for underserved children and adults. This amount represents a nearly 40 percent increase in funds available for vaccine purchase under the Section 317 program during the two-year funding period.

Furthermore, $50 million will be allocated to program operation grants and scientific and technical support.

Approximately $18 million will be awarded to Section 317 grantees that demonstrate innovative approaches to boosting childhood vaccination rates, as well as uptake of zoster and influenza vaccines and for improving reimbursement practices.

Nearly $32 million will be used to strengthen the evidence base for immunization programs and policies and to increase immunization awareness, the CDC said. Activities related to these goals will include monitoring and assessing the impact and safety of licensed vaccines and increasing public knowledge about the benefits of vaccines and the risks of vaccine-preventable diseases. Funds also will help provide tools and education for health care professionals.

By comparison, the CDC's Vaccines for Children program has an annual budget of about $3 billion. That program serves uninsured children and adolescents, including children eligible for Medicaid, American Indian/Alaska Native children, and children who are underinsured and who receive care through federally qualified community health centers and rural health clinics.