Maintaining the vaccine safety net.

Vaccines are one of the most cost-effective, successful interventions in the history of public health. In the United States, they are financed through an intricate patchwork of public and private funding mechanisms and programs. An important component of vaccine financing is the “safety net” that provides vaccines for individuals who fall through the cracks of the system. State public health agencies rely on this safety net to ensure that children and adults are vaccinated and communities are protected against infectious diseases. However, safety nets need constant maintenance. Small rips or tears weaken the net and, if left untended, can grow into gaping holes. The vaccine safety net has been weakened by neglect and needs repair.