U.S. Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) on Monday sponsored a bipartisan bill that would authorize a nationwide COVID-19 vaccine safety public awareness campaign.
“Operation Warp Speed has produced a safe and effective vaccine in record time,” Rep. Wenstrup said. “A vaccine, however, will only lead us out of this pandemic and allow us to restore our way of life if enough Americans are willing to receive it.”
The congressman led seven original cosponsors, including U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI), in introducing the COVID–19 Vaccine Awareness Support Act of 2020, H.R. 8966, which also would provide science-backed information for the campaign, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Wenstrup’s office.
“It is more important than ever that we provide science-based, factual information about COVID-19 vaccines to the American people,” said Rep. Wenstrup. “I believe providing accurate information about vaccines will help alleviate concerns and empower Americans to make sound medical decisions.”
If enacted, HR. 8966 also would authorize funding for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to provide grants to entities to launch public awareness campaigns no less than 30 days after a vaccine is authorized, according to the bill summary.
“For these vaccines to ultimately bring an end to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical that Americans are willing to receive them,” added Rep. Kind. “I am proud to support this bipartisan bill to provide resources to trusted local leaders across the country to raise awareness and share factual, evidence-based information about COVID-19 vaccines with the communities they serve.”
The bill is a companion measure to S. 4958, which was introduced on Dec. 3 by U.S. Sens. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Ben Cardin (D-MD).