California: CoveredCA applauds CA Health Dept. immunization guidance & passage of Assembly Bill 144

via Covered California:

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Covered California issued the following statement concerning the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announcement of official immunization recommendations, following the passage of Assembly Bill 144:

“We applaud Gov. Newsom, the California Legislature and the Department of Public Health for recommending immunizations that are backed by scientific research and supported by trusted medical organizations,” said Covered California Executive Director Jessica Altman. “The evidence overwhelmingly shows that vaccines work, and with these steps Californians – and all Covered California enrollees – will continue to have access to these critical health tools.”

Additionally, Covered California’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Monica Soni released the following statement:

“Widespread use of vaccines has eradicated or controlled many diseases that once caused pain, suffering and deaths for countless numbers of children. Ensuring that immunizations are widely available, easy to find and affordable is critical, and we support removing any barriers that prevent families from accessing vaccines. We encourage all Californians to follow the guidance set forth by the Department of Public Health to keep their loved ones protected from preventable illnesses and potential hospitalizations.”

This week, Gov. Newsom signed Assembly Bill 144 into law, which ensures that CDPH’s immunization records are informed by evidence-based scientific recommendations from trusted national medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).