Government Officials Evaluating Vaccination Strategies and Public Health Authority
In recent years, vaccine policies and legislation have become a topic of significant discussion across several U.S. states. This article aims to provide an overview of the current landscape, focusing on key developments and trends.
One of the most notable areas of concern is the increasing number of bills seeking to restrict or modify the use of gene-based vaccines, such as those developed using mRNA or DNA technology. As many as seven states introduced such legislation in 2025, reflecting a growing trend that has raised concerns among public health officials.
Another concerning development is the decline in vaccination rates for several vaccine-preventable diseases, including pertussis, mumps, hepatitis, polio, and measles. This decline has put these diseases back on the radar as potential threats, with measles now under threat of resurgence as vaccine rates fall below the thresholds to uphold herd immunity. The 2025 measles outbreak, for instance, resulted in the first measles-associated deaths in more than a decade.
This decline in vaccination rates can be attributed, in part, to vaccine-related myths and an increase in non-medical exemptions for vaccinations. The American State Health Association (ASTHO) has identified public health expertise in developing vaccination policy as one of three recommended strategies to address this issue, aiming to prioritize evidence-based public health authority and support agencies to protect and improve health.
In addition to these concerns, there have been efforts to shift authority for determining school-based immunization requirements from health agencies to legislatures. For example, Iowa's SF 360 sought to prohibit any 'gene-based vaccines,' while Idaho's H 290 removed the state board of health's authority to determine which immunizations are required for daycare and school enrollment. Similar bills have been introduced in states like Maine, New Hampshire, and Texas.
However, it's important to note that while state governments have the power to impose or revoke vaccine requirements and determine exemptions outside of health emergencies, there are no records of states in 2025 introducing laws restricting or removing the powers of health authorities to set school vaccination rules or exceptions outside emergency situations.
In response to these developments, ASTHO has committed to continuing to track legislative and executive action on this important public health issue. For instance, New York's A 4798 seeks to prevent administering COVID-19 mRNA vaccines until the department of health conducts a risk-benefit analysis, demonstrating a continued focus on evidence-based decision-making.
In conclusion, the landscape of vaccine policies and legislation in the United States is undergoing significant changes. As these changes unfold, it's crucial for public health authorities to remain vigilant and proactive in their efforts to protect and improve health.
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