Strengthening vaccine-preventable disease prevention and response - this cooperative agreement application supports public health systems to protect people and communities from vaccine-preventable…

Strengthening vaccine-preventable disease prevention and response - this cooperative agreement application supports public health systems to protect people and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases by increasing access, confidence, and demand for vaccines. The VFC program provides vaccines to children whose parents or guardians may not be able to afford them. Serving as an important contributor to health equity, the program helps support fair and just opportunities for all children to get their recommended vaccinations on schedule and achieve their highest level of health. Section 317 of the public health service act helps meet the costs of prevention health services, and 317 priorities include preserving immunization infrastructure, maintaining vaccine supply as a safety net for uninsured adults, and responding to VPD outbreaks. Activities in this funding opportunity are included within the following seven priority strategies. • strengthen program infrastructure and management • increase vaccine access • improve vaccination equity • promote vaccine confidence and demand • enhance data and evaluation • strengthen program support for partners • enhance vaccination response readiness the illinois department for public health believes that vaccination remains a key part of healthy living for children, adolescents, and adults and is poised meet the above strategies. The state's immunization program has qualified and dedicated staff that work hard to ensure vaccines are available to illinoisans across the state and they are ready to outbreaks that may occur. The program has a robust immunization information system to assist in tracking vaccine availability and identify areas of concern due to lack of access and/or lagging vaccination coverage rates.