Supporting Equitable Access to Respiratory Vaccines: Best Practices and Implementation of Risk-Based Recommendations
Last Updated10/15/2024
Risk-based vaccine recommendations are an important mechanism by which public health authorities provide guidance, encourage vaccination, and reach vulnerable populations. That said, implementation of risk-based recommendations can prove challenging.
As we navigate this year’s respiratory illness season, Champions for Vaccine Education, Equity and Progress (CVEEP) held a discussion focused on best practices to support equitable access to respiratory vaccines, which will include an overview of CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for respiratory vaccines, and considerations specific to risk-based recommendations. Featuring insights from leading public health experts, clinicians, and government officials, the event explored what is working, where there might be barriers to implementation and gaps in communication and, how the public health community can work together to ensure all individuals are able to receive the vaccines they need.
Panelists included:
Karyne Jones, President and CEO of the National Caucus and Center on Black Aging and convening member of CVEEP
Dr. Reed Tuckson, Co-Founder of the Black Coalition Against COVID and Co-Founder of the Coalition For Trust in Health & Science
Dr. Evelyn Twentyman, Senior Advisor for Vaccine Strategy, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC
The discussion was moderated by Amy Pisani, CEO of Vaccinate Your Family.
Staying up to date with recommended vaccines is your best first line of defense; however, infections may still occur, so it is important to act quickly at the first sign of symptoms or a positive test. If you begin to experience symptoms, there are testing and treatment options available for you.
Nearly all private and public health insurance plans cover all vaccines recommended by the CDC’s ACIP—which includes vaccines that protect against COVID-19, flu, pneumococcal disease, RSV, and pertussis (whooping cough)—free of cost to you.
