|
As the calendar turns to September, we are preparing for our free fall flu vaccine clinics. While this is always one of our most vital community services, it takes on added importance considering the federal vaccine landscape. Last spring, the administration clawed back immunization grants across the country, including Kansas and Missouri. Nurture KC was paying for the uninsured to get COVID shots at the time our grant was discontinued, ending an important service. State immunization coalitions funded primarily through those grants, along with state and local health departments have also seen vaccine education and advocacy hobbled by this action.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) members have been replaced by political appointees, many of whom have no scientific expertise nor a belief in the efficacy and safety of vaccines. ACIP makes recommendations on the childhood vaccine schedule and other vaccines, serving a critical role in public acceptance and practice. There has been a mass exodus of medical expertise at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), many of whom are sounding the alarm about the actions and beliefs of Health and Human Services Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. The National Institutes of Health has clawed back research grants that could have long-term consequences in our fight against disease and the federal government is no longer funding mRNA research, which is the basis of COVID vaccines and a host of other conditions.
In August, federal guidance changed regarding COVID vaccines. Now, only those 65+ or with an underlying health condition can get the vaccine without barrier. It is no longer recommended that pregnant women get vaccinated for COVID despite the evidence that they are more likely to experience severe symptoms and complications. For everyone else, a doctor’s prescription will be necessary. This recommendation runs contrary to evidence-based practice and immediately eliminates accessibility of the vaccine for most Americans, making us vulnerable once again to a disease that claimed more than one million of us.
Vaccines remain the cornerstone of disease prevention, and are arguably the most important public health achievement of the 20th century. Despite efforts to undermine that reality today, Nurture KC will continue to promote and provide flu shots across the Kansas City community and advocate on the importance of vaccines as we navigate a perilous time.
Tracy Russell
Chief Executive Officer, Nurture KC
| 
