S. 3323: Family Vaccine Protection Act

The Family Vaccine Protection Act is a proposed bill aimed at strengthening the framework around vaccine recommendations and practices in the United States by codifying the role of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) within the Public Health Service Act. Here are the key features of the bill:

1. Codification of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)

The bill officially establishes the ACIP under the Public Health Service Act, defining its responsibilities and structure. It mandates that ACIP will provide guidance on the appropriate use of vaccines to the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) based on scientific evidence.

2. Vaccine Recommendations

ACIP is required to:

• Provide recommendations for the use of vaccines against vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Review and make recommendations on new vaccines and any new indications for existing vaccines.
• Issue timely recommendations for breakthrough therapies and vaccines related to public health emergencies.

These recommendations must be based on the best available, peer-reviewed scientific evidence.

3. Recommendation Publication and Review Process

The Director of the CDC is obligated to publish any recommendations from ACIP on the Department of Health and Human Services website and to provide written notifications in the event of non-adoption of any recommendation, including the reasons for such decisions.

4. Meetings and Membership

The bill stipulates that the ACIP will meet at least three times a year and includes guidelines for membership composition. A minimum of 15 and a maximum of 19 members will be appointed, with specific expertise required in fields related to immunology, epidemiology, and vaccine development.

5. Funding

The bill authorizes appropriations of $2,800,000 per year from fiscal year 2026 to 2029 to support the operations of the Advisory Committee, including member compensation and administrative costs.

6. Vaccine Injury Compensation Program

Additionally, the bill makes provisions for the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, stipulating that any changes to the Vaccine Injury Table must be supported by substantial scientific evidence regarding the safety or efficacy of vaccines.

7. Transparency and Reporting

ACIP’s processes and decisions would be made transparent, with regular updates provided to congressional committees, ensuring accountability regarding immunization recommendations and practices.

8. Emergency Use and Special Circumstances

The Advisory Committee would have the ability to provide guidance on the distribution and use of vaccines authorized for emergency use during public health emergencies, ensuring that the public health response is adaptable and informed by scientific evidence.

Relevant Companies

• PFE - Pfizer: A significant player in the vaccine market, particularly with their COVID-19 vaccine. Changes in vaccine recommendations can impact their sales and public perception.
• MRNA - Moderna: Known for its mRNA technology and COVID-19 vaccine. Similar to Pfizer, recommendations could directly affect their market performance.
• JNJ - Johnson & Johnson: Involved in vaccine production and may be impacted by the recommendations regarding its vaccine products.
• ABT - Abbott Laboratories: As a manufacturer of vaccines and related products, Abbott could see implications depending on the recommendations issued by ACIP.