Provides liability protections for health care providers who issue vaccines

Showing the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.

• Democratic1

Shown in neutral colors by design; Agora is non-partisan.

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Michelle Hinchey says this is needed

The federal government has long played a role in the development of public health and vaccine recommendations to keep Americans safe. As early as the Revolutionary War, leaders have weighed vaccine efficacy against the threat of disease to make scientifically sound decisions. In the 20th century, as several new vaccines were developed, the federal government created new groups to ensure that vaccines were safe and accessible, while also protecting those who administer the vaccines. Now, United States Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is dismantling our public health infrastructure and vaccine oversight systems, putting the American people at risk. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has long advised the CDC director on vaccine recommendations. As long as vaccines are administered in accordance with ACIP guidelines, vaccine providers have been fully protected from liability, provided there was no willful misconduct or gross negligence. However, given recent changes to vaccine guidelines that limit access to certain vaccines, states have begun to explore creating their own recommendations in line with evidence-backed research. Providers who adhere to state or local guidelines when admin- istering vaccines deserve the same liability protections as when they administered vaccines recommended by ACIP. This legislation would ensure the protection of healthcare providers from liability when admin- istering vaccines in accordance with state or local guidelines.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.