The Effects of the State of Tennessee Immunization Policy Change of 2011–2012 on Vaccination Uptake in East Tennessee

Originally published as: Knight MA, Kershenbaum AD, Buchanan M, Ridley J, Erwin PC. The effects of the State of Tennessee immunization policy change of 2011–2012 on vaccination uptake in East Tennessee. Frontiers in Public Health Services and Systems Research. 2014;3(1):1–5 Article 4. PDF available at: http://uknowledge.uky.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1086&context=frontiersinphssr. Margaret A. Knight, University of Tennessee Anne D. Kershenbaum, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Martha Buchanan, Knox County Health Department Janet Ridley, East Tennessee Region, Tennessee Department of Health Paul C. Erwin, University of Tennessee, Knoxville In the United States, funding for the purchase of vaccines depend on annual Congressional allocations. These allocations fluctuate from year to year as Congress responds to changes in national needs for immunizations. The Affordable Care Act requires first dollar coverage of immunizations and other preventive care, allowing a reduction in federal funding for vaccine purchase and a reallocation of funds to other uses such as infrastructure development. In fiscal year 2012, the loss of funds allocated from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act required action by states to ensure appropriate use of remaining funds. In Tennessee, the response was a policy change that redefined the population who would receive immunizations at health departments.