Rep. Schrier Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Increase Vaccine Access for Children

Press Release

U.S. Representatives Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA), John Joyce, M.D. (R-PA), G.K. Butterfield (D-NC) and David McKinley, P.E. (R-WV) today introduced the Strengthening the Vaccines for Children Program Act that will build on and improve the successful Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. The VFC program helps ensure all children receive recommended vaccines by providing no-cost immunizations. Almost half of all childhood vaccines are provided through the VFC program.

"I am excited to introduce this important bipartisan bill that will help to keep our children safe and healthy," said Rep. Schrier. "As a pediatrician, I know how important routine immunizations are to keep children safe, which is why it is so concerning that some routine immunizations are down nearly 30% during the pandemic. This could lead to epidemics and outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, like the measles. As we reopen schools and the economy, it will be imperative to get children up-to-date on routine vaccinations and be ready to immunize all children when they are eligible for COVID-19 vaccines."

The Strengthening the Vaccines for Children Program Act of 2021 will:

Improve patient access and care by expanding VFC eligibility to cover more children at more locations
Incentivize provider participation in the program and alleviate operational burdens
Expand vaccine counseling and education reimbursement to combat vaccine hesitancy
Track immunizations to better understand disparities and find pockets of under-vaccination
Encourage public understanding of the benefits of immunization
"Vaccines are the safest way to eradicate disease, prevent suffering, and protect our communities. From the polio vaccine developed at the University of Pittsburgh to the measles and smallpox vaccines, widespread inoculation has saved lives for generations -- making a significant difference for children and families. The Strengthening the Vaccines for Children Program Act is commonsense, bipartisan legislation that will bolster families' access to lifesaving vaccines and protect American children from preventable illness, promoting healthier and safer communities across our country," said Congressman Joyce.

"I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Strengthening the Vaccines for Children Program Act. The VFC program was created to ensure that no child was left without access to critical vaccinations due to an inability to pay. This bill includes commonsense, but highly impactful, policies to expand access to VFC to more children and make it easier for them to get their vaccinations. The bill also incentivizes providers to participate and assists states in bolstering their VFC programs. These changes will help ensure that the VFC program continues to fulfill its mission to keep our nation's children safe and healthy," said Congressman Butterfield.

"Expanding access to childhood vaccinations is important to ensure the well-being of children across the nation. When a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is approved for children, Congress needs to ensure that there are minimal barriers for children to be able to receive the vaccine," said Rep. McKinley. "This bill builds upon the current Vaccines for Children Program to bolster our vaccine delivery system and support primary care physicians to ensure no child has to suffer from vaccine-preventable diseases."