Final Budget Includes $31 Million Increase for Immunization Programs
On December 20, 2022, Congress released a final FY 2023 spending bill that includes a $31 million increase for the CDC’s Section 317 Immunization Program. AIM is pleased to see that the bill increases awardee base awards “with a focus on expanding and sustaining critical immunization program infrastructure and promoting routine vaccination.”
The program language also includes a central focus on promoting health equity and includes a $20 million increase for influenza planning and response. Below is the full excerpt of the bill’s report language directing use of the 317 program increase. Congress is expected to pass this bill by December 23, 2022– although delays and diversions are always possible.
AIM is happy to see this significant increase and recognition of the vital work done across the 64 program jurisdictions. The included increase is, however, significantly lower than the $210 million increase proposed in the Senate earlier this year. This reflects renewed pressure to restrain non-defense spending and challenging negotiations on post-pandemic public health priorities. After final passage, we will pivot to making our case for adequate funding – including resources to avoid the June 2024 cliff – with the next Congress. Other policy and legislative priorities for 2023 include:
- Supporting a transition to COVID vaccine commercialization and ending of the public health emergency.
- Advocating for an adult immunization safety net program.
- Translating pandemic lessons learned into policy.
- Supporting AIM members as they navigate state legislative sessions.
Questions can be directed to AIM Chief Policy & Government Relations Officer Brent Ewig.
Excerpt from Congressional Committee Report: “317 Immunization Program -The agreement includes an increase to enhance immunization efforts, including increasing awardee base awards with a focus on expanding and sustaining critical immunization program infrastructure and promoting routine vaccination. CDC is expected to use this funding to promote health equity related to protection from vaccine preventable diseases, as well as address vaccine hesitancy. In expanding existing immunization infrastructure, CDC is directed to implement new strategies for hard-to-reach populations, such as those who may be vaccine-hesitant, those who are members of racial or ethnic minority groups, and those who are underserved due to socioeconomic or other reasons. The agreement urges CDC to prioritize and to allocate resources to engage providers, healthcare stakeholders, educators, community organizations, and families on the importance of ensuring that all individuals receive their recommended routine vaccinations. The agreement also requests CDC provide the Committees an update on the achievements of the ongoing “Vaccinate with Confidence” campaign and the rate of routine vaccination across all ages, as well as a forward-looking plan to administer missed doses. CDC should include in the plan recommendations about what other tools it could employ to promote health equity.”