Burgess cosponsors VACCINES Act to improve nation’s immunization rates

U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX) on May 21 cosponsored bipartisan legislation that would set up a national surveillance system of vaccine rates, authorize research on vaccine hesitancy, and increase the public’s understanding about the benefits of immunizations.

“This bill reinforces vaccines’ lifesaving potential,” said Rep. Burgess, a medical doctor and ranking member on the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health.

Rep. Burgess introduced the Vaccine Awareness Campaign to Champion Immunization Nationally and Enhance Safety (VACCINES) Act, H.R. 2862, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier (D-WA), to increase U.S. immunization rates and prevent contagious disease outbreaks.

“Vaccines are safe and effective tools that can protect Americans from preventable suffering,” said Rep. Burgess. “As the most senior physician serving in Congress, I am glad to work alongside Dr. Schrier, the newest doctor to join the U.S. House of Representatives, to improve the health and well-being of the American people.”

If enacted, H.R. 2862 would authorize resources for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to research the impetus for vaccine hesitancy and barriers to immunization, according to information provided by Rep. Burgess’ office.

With such information, the CDC would be able to predict where an outbreak might occur due to low immunization rates and then target vaccine education campaigns to those areas prior to an outbreak, according to the information.

H.R. 2862 has been referred for consideration to the House Energy and Commerce Committee.