Immunizations - General
The WSMA supports development of a national adult immunization policy to
assure: ongoing, stable funding to support vaccine purchase and public
programs for age-appropriate delivery of vaccines in the public and
private sectors; incentives and policies to encourage vaccine development
for a stable vaccine supply; research into the safety of vaccines, to
evaluate the effectiveness of vaccine delivery strategies, and to better
understand the transmission of disease; national guidance to outline and
encourage effective vaccine delivery; and, state flexibility to tailor the
implementation of evidence-based strategies to meet the needs of local and
regional populations. (Res C-4, A-05) (Reaffirmed A-23)
The WSMA endorses the continuation of a Universal Vaccine Purchase and
Distribution Program structure for purchase, storage, and distribution of
vaccines, with the intent of maximizing access to vaccines while
minimizing cost, complexity, and workload for vaccine providers. (Res A-5,
A-09)
The WSMA supports the use of the current immunization schedule published
by the Centers for Disease Control Advisory Committee for Immunization
Practices. (Res A-12, A-08)
The WSMA supports full funding for all childhood immunizations, including
Hepatitis B. (Res 23, A-92) (Reaffirmed A-23)
The WSMA supports identifying more comprehensive funding sources for
universal distribution of childhood vaccines. (Res C-9, A-01) (Amended
A-23)
The WSMA encourages physicians to offer evidence-based cost-effective
vaccines and encourages all third-party payers to cover evidence-based
cost-effective vaccines in a timely manner. (Res A-7, A-00) (Reaffirmed
A-23)
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Abbreviations for House of Delegates report origination:
EC – Executive Committee; BT – Board of Trustees; CPA – Council on
Professional Affairs; JC – Judicial Council; CHS – Community and Health
Services