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Bill

HR 3701

Family Vaccine Protection Act

119th Congress Introduced by Gabe Amo and 70 co-sponsors

The Family Vaccine Protection Act strengthens vaccine guidance by codifying ACIP, ensuring timely recommendations, enhancing public health, and improving vaccination rates.

Introduced in House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 3701

Summary of HR 3701: Family Vaccine Protection Act

Purpose and Intent

The Family Vaccine Protection Act (HR 3701) aims to amend the Public Health Service Act by codifying the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The bill seeks to enhance the role of ACIP in providing guidance and recommendations on the use of vaccines to control vaccine-preventable diseases in the civilian population of the United States.

Key Provisions

  1. Codification of ACIP:

    • The bill establishes ACIP as a formal entity within the Public Health Service Act, detailing its responsibilities and operational procedures.

  2. Recommendations and Guidance:

    • ACIP will provide advice and recommendations to the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) based on the best available scientific evidence regarding vaccines and related agents.

  3. Publication Procedures:

    • The Director must review ACIP's recommendations and adopt them unless they are unsupported by scientific evidence. If a recommendation is adopted, it will be published on the Department of Health and Human Services' website.
    • If a recommendation is not adopted, the Director must publish the rationale for this decision and notify relevant congressional committees within 48 hours.

  4. Timely Consideration of New Vaccines:

    • ACIP is required to consider new vaccines or indications within 90 days of notification from the vaccine license holder and provide recommendations accordingly.

  5. Public Health Emergency Protocols:

    • The bill mandates that ACIP make recommendations for vaccines designated as breakthrough therapies or intended for use during public health emergencies.

  6. Transparency Requirements:

    • If the Secretary of Health and Human Services or the Director takes actions contrary to ACIP recommendations, they must provide a public explanation and notify congressional committees within 48 hours.

  7. Immunization Recommendations:

    • ACIP will establish and periodically review a list of vaccines for children and adolescents eligible for the Vaccines for Children Program, including dosing schedules and contraindications.

Impact

  • Public Health: The bill aims to strengthen the framework for vaccine recommendations, potentially leading to improved vaccination rates and better control of vaccine-preventable diseases.
  • Healthcare Providers: Healthcare providers will rely on ACIP's recommendations for immunization practices, which may influence coverage decisions by health insurance plans.
  • Congressional Oversight: The bill enhances transparency and accountability in vaccine policy decisions, ensuring that Congress is informed of significant actions taken by health authorities.

Legislative Status

  • Introduced: June 4, 2025
  • Current Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for further consideration.

Sponsors

The bill is sponsored by Frank Pallone and Kim Schrier, with numerous cosponsors, reflecting broad support across party lines.

This summary provides an overview of HR 3701, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on public health and vaccine policy in the United States.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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