Bill > AR106

This Resolution urges the United States Congress to require the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to comply with the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 (NCVIA). The NCVIA, enacted in 1986, established a national vaccine program and tasked the Secretary of DHHS with ensuring both the prevention of infectious diseases through immunization and the prevention of adverse reactions to vaccines. While the Act provided vaccine manufacturers with legal and financial immunity to ensure a stable supply of vaccines and offered a cost-effective way to handle injury claims, this Resolution notes that this immunity might have reduced the incentive for manufacturers to prioritize vaccine safety. The NCVIA specifically mandated that the Secretary report to Congress every two years on actions taken to improve vaccine safety, a requirement that has reportedly not been met. Therefore, this Resolution calls on Congress to compel DHHS to submit these required biennial reports to Congress, thereby fulfilling its obligations under the NCVIA and promoting public health by ensuring the continued improvement of vaccine safety.