The Association of Immunization Managers (AIM) continues to raise the alarm about the spread of measles in the United States. We have reached a disturbing milestone in one of the most severe outbreaks in our country since 2000. Twenty-five health department jurisdictions are now reporting more than 800 confirmed cases. “AIM applauds the federal, state, and local health officials working around the clock to contain the spread of measles disease and offer vaccine to all those seeking protection,” said AIM executive director Claire Hannan. “MMR vaccine is time-tested, readily available, and 97% effective.”
At this time of unprecedented measles spread, AIM welcomes the announcement of the Vaccine Integrity Project. This initiative is dedicated to safeguarding vaccine use in the U.S. Read additional information on this new effort here.
Deaths from measles serve as a call to action for sustainable investment in public health. In testimony to the House Appropriation Committee, AIM Chair Heather Roth said, “I am here to ring the alarm bell. Immunization policy in America is at a crossroads… We need this committee’s help and leadership to turn this situation around.” AIM urges Congress to allocate $1.1 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Section 317 Immunization Program, which provides core funding for vaccine purchase and infrastructure. The program is currently flat funded at $682 million for the third year in a row, which is not enough funding to meet current immunization programming needs. The looming expiration of emergency pandemic funds will only further exacerbate operational capacity challenges for immunization programs. AIM urges Congressional action to provide adequate and sustainable funding.
About Association of Immunization Managers
The Association of Immunization Managers (AIM) is a nonprofit membership association comprised of the directors of the 64 federally funded state, territorial, and local public health immunization programs. AIM is dedicated to working with its partners nationwide to reduce, eliminate, or eradicate vaccine-preventable diseases. AIM also works to ensure the success of its members by providing support in their programming interests. Since 1999, AIM has enabled collaboration among immunization managers to effectively control vaccine-preventable diseases and improve immunization coverage in the United States. For more information on AIM, please visit www.immunizationmanagers.org/
