20240327-013_JIC FY24-25 Additional Immunization Funding Budget Recommendation Signed — original pdf

Recommendation

BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: (20240327-013): Additional Immunization Funding WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee (“JIC”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion to promote close cooperation between Council, City Management, City boards, commissions, committees, and task forces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city; and WHEREAS, persons aged 65 and older represent the fastest-growing age group in Austin, expanding from 55,695 (7.0% of 2010 population) to 91,733 (9.5% of 2020 population), and growing at a rate of 64.7%; and WHEREAS, Austin Public Health Immunizations Unit aims to provide a vaccine safety net for vulnerable Travis County Residents; and WHEREAS, Adults - in particular older adults, as noted the fastest growing age group in Austin, with the Asian older population exhibiting the fastest growth--have limited options for free and low-cost vaccinations in Austin/Travis County; and WHEREAS, the Adult Safety Net (ASN) program removed the shingles vaccine (Shingrix) in September of 2021 due to lack of funds; and WHEREAS, the ASN program removed the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine (PCV20) in August of 2023 due to lack of funds; and WHEREAS, both of these vaccines are primarily recommended for older adults, with Shingrix being recommended for adults over 50 only; and WHEREAS, the APH Immunizations Unit purchased and administered over 900 shingles vaccines at a cost of approximately $180,000 including 300 shingles vaccines purchased so far in FY24 at a cost of $59,360; and WHEREAS, since August 2023 the APH Immunizations Unit purchased and administered over 170 doses of pneumococcal vaccine for a total of $44,465; and WHEREAS, the above purchases of these two vaccines have all been administered, the APH Immunizations Unit no longer has quantities available as a safety net for vulnerable residents; and WHEREAS, after the above dosages were administered, there’s an additional estimated unmet need of 3,500 Shingrix doses annually, representing 1,750 clients annually (Shingrix is a two-dose series); and WHEREAS, after the above dosages were administered, there’s an additional estimated unmet need of 2,200 Pneumococcal vaccine doses annual, representing 2,200 clients annually; and WHEREAS, pricing for Shingrix vaccine is $1,862.19 for 10 doses as of 3/4/24; and WHEREAS, pricing for the PCV20 vaccine is $2,437.18 for 10 doses as of 3/4/24. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee encourages the Austin City Council to allocate $308,050 for the purchase of 1,000 additional Shringrix shingles (at two doses per person) and 500 additional PCV20 vaccines to incrementally close the gap to help support at risk older adults in the Austin area. Date of Approval: March 27, 2024 Record of the vote: 8-0, Commissioners Vargas and Gordon (ECC), Commissioners Davis and Aslam (Human Rights) absent Attest: _____________________________________________ Vice- Chair