The Essential Role of States in Protecting Immunization Access

Manatt Health National Advisor and Managing Director coauthored an article for The New England Journal of Medicine about how states can take action to protect their residents amidst shifting federal policy and clinical guidance surrounding vaccine access and safety.

Recent federal policy changes and destabilization of the national immunization infrastructure threaten the established vaccine policy framework that clinicians, payers and the public have relied upon for years. However, states hold broad legal and operational authority over vaccination, and several have already taken steps to mitigate threats to immunizations and uphold evidence-based policies and vaccine access.

“When federal leadership falters, states can and must lead. Because pathogens cross borders, collaborative approaches among states will be essential for maintaining consistency and trust. Strengthening mechanisms for ongoing coordination among states and medical and scientific experts is critical in this moment,” the authors wrote.

The New England Journal of Medicine subscribers can read the full article .