Contact: CDC Press Office (404) 639-3286 April 1, 1993
The Clinton Administration today announced its proposed "Comprehensive Child Immunization Act of 1993," which HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala called "a turning point in our efforts to have every American child properly immunized by 2 years of age."
The legislation will be introduced in the Congress by Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Representative John Dingell, Senator Donald Riegle, Representative Henry Waxman, Representative Louise Slaughter, Representative Eva Clayton and others.
The President's comprehensive initiative would build on the Administration's plans to improve the nation's immunization delivery system this year and in 1994. President Clinton's economic stimulus package includes $300 million for this year to strengthen the immunization system, especially through increased funding of community "Immunization Action Plans" in 87 cities and counties throughout the country.
The Presidential initiative announced today provides for a nationwide immunization tracking system, through state registries, to help ensure that all children receive appropriate immunizations at the recommended ages. It also would establish a federal universal vaccine purchasing program beginning in 1995, to ensure that all American children are immunized on schedule. The universal purchase system would be phased-out as immunization services for all children become available as part of the broad based reform of the nation's health care system.
"This initiative embodies the President's commitment to ensure proper immunization for all American children," Secretary Shalala said. "This is a sound and cost effective investment in America's future health and productivity. And it is an essential first step towards a national health care reform plan that will emphasize prevention and guarantee families the security of health care coverage."
Other provisions of the legislation would reauthorize the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, and would provide for outreach to parents and others, including improved and easier-to-understand informational materials.
Federal funding to establish the state tracking registries is estimated at $275 million for fiscal years 1995 and 1996. The annual cost for universal purchase of vaccines is estimated at $1.1 billion in FY 1995.