Strengthening the Vaccines for Children Program Act of 2026

Expanded Eligibility for Vaccines: The bill expands the definition of a "federally vaccine-s eligible child" to include children enrolled for child health assistance under a State child health plan approved under title XXI. (Section 2(a))

Increased Payment for Services: Providers will receive payment for vaccine administration and counseling services at a rate not less than 100 percent of the rate applicable under part B of title XVIII. This applies to Medicaid and the CHIP program through December 31, 2028. (Section 2(b))

Increased Federal Support for States: The Federal medical assistance percentage for States and various territories will increase by 1 percentage point starting January 1, 2027. (Section 2(d))

Improved Public Health Information: The CDC Director may create a data sharing strategy to ensure tribal epidemiology centers have access to necessary health care and public health surveillance data. (Section 2(e))

Increased Transparency: The CDC will publish information on vaccination rates during fiscal years 2027 and 2028, including data disaggregated by region, age, sex, race, and ethnicity. (Section 2(f))

Stringent Requirements for State Funding: To receive the 1 percentage point increase in Federal medical assistance, States must ensure they provide specific types of culturally competent and effective vaccination outreach messages. (Section 2(d))

Provider Fee Limitations: For certain qualified pediatric vaccines, providers are limited in the fees they may impose for administration and counseling to ensure they do not exceed specific cost thresholds. (Section 2(c))