Strengthening Vaccine-Preventable Disease Prevention and Response - The California (CA) Department of Public Health (CDPH) is seeking support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to fund and build upon the ongoing work of the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program and the Section 317 Immunization Program, which together serve approximately 39 million individuals in California. These programs provide vaccines at no cost to eligible children and uninsured or underinsured adults, reducing the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases and improving public health outcomes statewide. Continued funding is critical to address ongoing challenges such as low vaccination rates, vaccine misinformation, and emerging disease threats. Funding from this grant supports both the state immunization program and local health department immunization programs. With CDC funding, CDPH will strategically implement the following seven key strategies over the next five years to protect all Californians from vaccine-preventable diseases: 1. Strengthen Program Infrastructure and Management: Enhance the Immunization Program to support vaccine distribution, program oversight, and policy implementation. 2. Increase Vaccine Access: Expand provider networks, provider participation, ensure vaccine availability in underserved areas, and remove barriers to immunization, reducing financial barriers, and ensuring all eligible individuals can receive vaccines. 3. Improve Vaccination Equity: Address disparities and target underserved populations to close gaps in immunization coverage. 4. Promote Vaccine Confidence and Demand: Conduct public education campaigns and provider training to address vaccine hesitancy, engage communities to counter misinformation, and provide tailored outreach and content to encourage vaccine uptake. 5. Enhance Data and Evaluation: Strengthen immunization data systems to improve tracking and reporting vaccination rates. 6. Strengthening Program Support for Partners: Provide resources, trainings, and resources to healthcare providers, schools, trusted messengers, and community-based organizations. Continue engaging with California Immunization Coalition (CIC). 7. Enhancing Vaccination Response Readiness: Prepare for outbreaks and public health emergencies through coordinated vaccination efforts including rapid vaccine deployment. By leveraging these strategies, CDPH will maximize the impact of federal funding to ensure all Californians have equitable access to life-saving vaccines.
