|
|
2/11/2026
|
Ujifusa and Donovan introduce legislation to safeguard vaccine access amid federal uncertainty
|
STATE HOUSE – Legislation introduced by Sen. Linda L. Ujifusa and House Health and Human Services Committee Chairwoman Susan Donovan would protect coverage for routine childhood and adult vaccines under Rhode Island law.
This bill (2026-S 2379, 2026-H 7625) gives Rhode Island a clear statutory framework to ensure vaccines remain accessible, affordable and grounded in public health science. It requires state-regulated health insurers in Rhode Island to cover vaccines recommended by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) without cost-sharing barriers.
“Vaccination has been one of the great success stories of public health, protecting not only the vaccinated but also entire communities,” said Representative Donovan (D-Dist. 69, Bristol, Portsmouth).
“We don’t have to speculate about the risks of not protecting access to vaccinations,” adds Senator Ujifusa (D-Dist. 11, Portsmouth, Bristol). “We can see them in real time, with measles outbreaks emerging as anti-vaccine messages have gained traction. Rhode Island is acting now to make sure cost and uncertainty never stand in the way of basic public health.”
Last year, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., replaced all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the independent panel that advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on vaccine recommendations. The committee was subsequently reconstituted with new appointees, including individuals who have previously been skeptical of the efficacy of vaccines and federal pandemic response.
This legislation ensures Rhode Island retains the authority to act promptly and responsibly to protect public health.
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923
|
|