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Washington, D.C. --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, announced today that New Jersey will receive $5.9 million in funds for immunization operations and infrastructure necessary to implement a comprehensive immunization program through the Section 317 program. The funding is provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), which was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama in February.
The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program provides funding for vaccines for uninsured and underinsured children. The national VFC Program is known for increasing immunization rates and promoting implementation of new vaccines.
In New Jersey, there are approximately 1,140 participating NJVFC sites, 96 percent of which are private physician offices. Children are able to visit their regular physician, a community/rural health center, or a local health department to receive immunizations through the VFC Program.
"We have made great strides in the last century with respect to prevention and vaccines have been one the most successful strategies," Pallone said. "Vaccines have reduced preventable diseases by 95 percent and could save approximately 33,000 lives per year. This funding will enable New Jersey to expand its immunization program and continue to protect thousands of uninsured children from preventable deadly diseases."
The $300 million in Recovery Act funds allocated to the program will include $250 million to help existing Section 317 grantees acquire and make recommend vaccines available. An additional $18 million in grants will be used to provide support to Section 317 grantees that demonstrate innovative approaches to increase the number of Americans who receive the childhood vaccines series, zoster vaccine and influenza vaccine, and for improving reimbursement practices.
Approximately $32 million in Recovery Act funds will be used to increase information, communication and education and strengthen the evidence base for immunization. This will include activities to increase national public awareness and knowledge about the benefits and risks of vaccines and vaccine-preventable diseases. Funds will also help provide tools and education for health care providers and to monitor and assess the impact and safety of licensed vaccines routinely recommended for use in the U.S. to ensure that national vaccine policy is appropriate and effective.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act includes key investments in health care that will prevent the loss of health coverage, promote prevention programs and lower health care spending for our nation. The Obama Administration will make $2.3 billion of ARRA funds available for crucial health and human services programs that help to provide care for children and prevent diseases.
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