Tom Harkin: “I have heard from many Iowans concerning the impact of the fiscal year 1995 budget request for vaccine purchases, and I…”

“I have heard from many Iowans concerning the impact of the fiscal year 1995 budget request for vaccine purchases, and I share the concern of my colleagues. While overall, there has been no reduction in funding for vaccine purchases, the problem has arisen because the discretionary vaccine purchase program has been cut by $110 million; thus limiting the amount of vaccines available to State and local health departments. This situation is exacerbated by the fact that under the Vaccines for Children entitlement program, only federally qualified health centers are eligible to receive assistance for vaccines for those children whose health insurance does not include coverage for immunizations. In Iowa, as in other States, the primary responsibility for delivery of vaccines comes not from federally qualified health centers, but from state and local health departments. Consequently, the provisions relating to the Vaccines for Children entitlement have the effect of limiting Iowa's participation. This will result in fewer kids being immunized.”