Gov. Phil Scott (R) signed H.545 on March 24, effectively delinking vaccine administration authority and coverage of vaccines from ACIP. The new law requires plans to cover vaccines that are recommended by the Commissioner of Health, who shall consider vaccine recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the American College of Physicians (ACP), ACIP and other organizations the Commissioner may deem necessary. During the bill singing, Governor Scott stated, “We’ve seen the value in using science and data when making decisions about the health of Vermonters. H.545 establishes a process that allows us to continue this practice, by enabling the Vermont Department of Health to make vaccine and immunization recommendations based on available science and data. Getting vaccinated is the best way for us to protect ourselves and others, and this bill helps make sure vaccines remain accessible and affordable in Vermont.”
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Mike Sargent at 207-272-6435.