Financing vaccines: cornerstone of prevention.

In addition to expanding access to vaccines and related services, ARRA funding should help increase national public awareness and knowledge of the benefits of vaccines in reducing vaccine-preventable diseases. Furthermore, ARRA funding is supporting biomedical research that is critical for future vaccine development. Beyond the immediate impact these efforts have on improving the immunization status of many individuals in the United States, they should strengthen the evidence base for vaccination policies and programs, helping shape the future of our nation’s immunization program.