Vaccines / Preventive Services
Adult immunization rates are falling short of national targets. Learn how global, federal, and state policies affect vaccination uptake. Leverage our findings to guide your strategies. Rely on our expertise commercializing novel and therapeutic vaccines. Visit our COVID-19 Intel Center to decipher the facts and plan for downstream business implications.
Featured Content
Preventive Care Commentary Featured in Health Affairs Blog
On January 29, Richard Hughes published a piece on the Health Affairs blog discussing the presidential candidates’ opportunities to incorporate preventative services into their healthcare policy platforms.
Avalere Commentary on the 2020 National Vaccine Plan Featured in Health Affairs Blog
On December 16, Avalere policy experts, including Senior Adviser Dr. Angela Shen, published a piece in Health Affairs blog entitled “Shaping the 2020 National Vaccine Plan.” It explores the progress to date against the 2010 National Vaccine Plan (NVP), recurring challenges, and the 2020 NVP.
Immunization Implications in CY 2020 MPFS Final Rule
Two decisions finalized in the CY 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) rule have important implications for vaccine policy and access.
Avalere Commentary on HIV Prevention Policy Recommendations Featured in Health Affairs Blog
On November 13, Avalere policy experts published a piece in the Health Affairs blog about considerations for developing and harmonizing HIV prevention recommendations to drive the goal of eliminating HIV.
Location of Measles Cases Linked to Geographies Where Non-Medical Exemptions for Vaccines Are Clustered
Since the 1980s, all 50 states have used immunization requirements as a condition of school entry to protect the public’s health from vaccine-preventable diseases.
The Evolving Newborn Screening Landscape
On August 21, Avalere policy experts published a piece on the Health Affairs blog highlighting the impact of advancements in treatment and screening technology on the newborn screening landscape.
Avalere Adds New Expert in Vaccines
Dr. Angela Shen Joins the Firm
Webinar: 2019 Avalere Webinar Series: A Conversation on Vaccine Innovations
We are extremely sorry for the technical difficulties that prevented us from streaming the webinar audio. We apologize to those who joined and were left waiting. We will reschedule the webinar as soon as possible. In the meantime, Richard, Alessandra, and Chloe are available to talk with each of you individually. Please look out for a new invite; we hope you can make it. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Flu Vaccine Uptake Among Seniors Has Increased Steadily Since 2015
Avalere experts recently presented “A Comprehensive Analysis of Influenza Vaccine Uptake in Medicare” at the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit in Atlanta, GA.
Avalere’s Vaccines Experts Featured in Health Affairs Blog
On May 24, Avalere policy experts published a piece on the Health Affairs blog highlighting opportunities to leverage quality measurement tied to payment to drive adult immunization uptake and achieve national population health targets.
Avalere Commentary on Vague Vaccine Recommendations Featured in Health Affairs Blog
On May 7, Avalere policy experts published a piece in the Health Affairs blog about the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations, and how they may be leading to provider practice confusion and potential access barriers for patients.
Administration Seeks Input on Federal STD Prevention and Treatment Initiative
On May 3, the Office of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Policy, in partnership with other Department of Health and Human Services agencies, released a request for information (RFI) from stakeholders on strategies for the development of a Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Federal Action Plan, an initiative designed to address the domestic STD public health epidemic.
Issue of Part D Cost Sharing for Preventive Services Arises at Senate Drug Pricing Hearing
An April 9 hearing before the Senate Finance Committee entitled “Drug Pricing in America: A Prescription for Change” included discussion related to cost-sharing for preventive services in the Medicare Part D.
Avalere Commentary on HIV Prevention Policy Featured in Health Affairs Blog
On April 9, Avalere policy experts published a piece in the Health Affairs blog about the administration’s recently launched “Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America” initiative.
Vaccine Exemptions and the Federal Government’s Role
With the number of measles cases rising across the country, FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb raised the prospect of federal intervention over exemptions to state-level immunization school-entry requirements. While not specifying what role the federal government would play, Gottlieb stated, “You could mandate certain rules about what is and isn’t permissible when it comes to allowing people to have exemptions.”
ACIP Recommendations Shift Pneumococcal Vaccination Patterns
New research from Avalere finds that the provision of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines increased immediately after ACIP’s 2014 recommendation to add the vaccine to the routine immunization schedule for older adults.
Emerging Influenza Vaccine Technologies Stand to Improve Vaccination Rates
Nearly 80,000 people died during the 2017–2018 influenza season. Only 37% of adults were vaccinated. Several novel emerging products could make vaccination more accessible and effective, potentially reshaping the market and lowering influenza disease burden.
Lack of Clarity on Preventive Services Recommendations May Create Access Barriers
Ambiguous recommendations for preventive services are causing confusion among plans and providers on the clinically recommended preventive services that should be covered without cost sharing. A recent USPSTF recommendation on HIV prevention offers an opportunity to urge a recommending body to provide further clarity in its recommendation. Comments are due December 26.
Fewer Seniors Get Vaccinated as Their Out-of-Pocket Costs Increase
New research shows higher cost sharing for vaccines under Part D leads to fewer seniors getting vaccines. Immunization rates are higher for vaccines covered by Part D plans with lower cost sharing.
Reforming Medicare Vaccine Coverage to Reduce Barriers to Access
On June 14, Avalere experts came together with Cynthia Tudor, former Deputy Center Director of the Center for Medicare and Senior Advisor to Avalere, to discuss vaccine coverage and access challenges under Medicare.