42 USC 245 - Public awareness campaign on the importance of vaccinations

U.S Code last checked for updates: Nov 22, 2024

§ 245.

Public awareness campaign on the importance of vaccinations

(a)

In general

(b)

Consultation

(c)

Requirements

The campaign under this section shall—

(1)

be a nationwide, evidence-based media and public engagement initiative;

(2)

include the development of resources for communities with low rates of vaccination, including culturally and linguistically appropriate resources, as applicable;

(3)

include the dissemination of vaccine information and communication resources to public health departments, health care providers, and health care facilities, including such providers and facilities that provide prenatal and pediatric care;

(4)

be complementary to, and coordinated with, any other Federal, State, local, or Tribal efforts, as appropriate; and

(5)

assess the effectiveness of communication strategies to increase rates of vaccination.

(d)

Additional activities

The campaign under this section may—

(1)

include the use of television, radio, the internet, and other media and telecommunications technologies;

(2)

include the use of in-person activities;

(3)

be focused to address specific needs of communities and populations with low rates of vaccination; and

(4)

include the dissemination of scientific and evidence-based vaccine-related information, such as—

(A)

advancements in evidence-based research related to diseases that may be prevented by vaccines and vaccine development;

(B)

information on vaccinations for individuals and communities, including individuals for whom vaccines are not recommended by the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices, and the effects of low vaccination rates within a community on such individuals;

(C)

information on diseases that may be prevented by vaccines; and

(D)

information on vaccine safety and the systems in place to monitor vaccine safety.

(e)

Evaluation

The Secretary shall—

(1)

establish benchmarks and metrics to quantitatively measure and evaluate the awareness campaign under this section;

(2)

conduct qualitative assessments regarding the awareness campaign under this section; and

(3)

prepare and submit to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives an evaluation of the awareness campaign under this section.

(f)

Supplement not supplant

(g)

Authorization of appropriations

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title III, § 313, as added Pub. L. 116–260, div. BB, title III, § 311(a), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2923.)

cite as: 42 USC 245