Advancing Adult Immunizations through strategic partnerships and policy development

Currently, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends immunizing adults against 10 infectious diseases. Unfortunately, significant gaps between national adult immunization goals and actual rates remain due to inconsistent supply and demand, distribution, administration and financing problems. The American Medical Association (AMA) has the unique ability to engage providers in the establishment of a comprehensive adult immunization program in the United States. In February 2007, the AMA co-sponsored an immunization congress with the American Academy of Pediatrics to identify policy strategies to improve both pediatric and adult immunization rates. This meeting focused on identifying action steps to overcome the most pressing barriers to increasing immunization efforts, specifically policy initiatives that will improve access to affordable and equitably distributed vaccinations for the public. The AMA also co-founded and co-hosts the annual National Influenza Vaccine Summit with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to bring together stakeholders such as vaccine manufacturers, vaccine distributors, public health, medical associations, and pharmacy to reach Healthy People 2010 goals for influenza immunization. Additionally, the AMA was an active player in the policy setting sessions that preceded the publication of the federal pandemic flu plan and the AMA remains engaged with its federal partners for future actions. The AMA has made “Adult Immunization and Influenza” a strategic issue with the establishment of an adult immunization as its primary objective. Continuing to forge new partnerships and build on existing ones will be crucial to the development of effective public health policies for adult immunizations.