Bill · H.R. 8447· House(119-HR-8447)
Protecting America from Seasonal and Pandemic Influenza Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 4/22/2026
- Last activity
- 4/22/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Rick Larsen
- Cosponsors
- - 5 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Protecting America from Seasonal and Pandemic Influenza Act of 2026" aims to strengthen the nation's ability to respond to influenza threats. It establishes national goals to deliver vaccine doses faster during a pandemic and to develop a universal influenza vaccine within 10 years. The bill focuses on diversifying and strengthening the domestic vaccine supply chain to reduce reliance on foreign sources like China. It also mandates the implementation of the National Influenza Vaccine Modernization Strategy. Additionally, the act provides for significant funding for research, stockpiles, and public health outreach.
Yes· 3 of 16
Does this make the country readier for the next outbreak?+9
The bill significantly strengthens pandemic influenza readiness through increased stockpiles, research, and supply chain fortification.
Does this put more money into scientific research?+8
The act authorizes significant new funding for NIH research into universal vaccines and pathogen-agnostic tools.
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+7
The bill includes specific outreach and accessibility improvements for older Americans and those in long-term care.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Rapid Vaccine Delivery: The bill sets a goal to have the capacity to deliver first doses of finished influenza vaccines within 12 weeks of a pandemic strain emerging (Section 3(a)(1)).
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Development of a Universal Vaccine: There is a national goal to develop a universal influenza vaccine within 10 years to improve long-term protection (Section 3(b)(1)).
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Improved Diagnostic Access: The bill supports the development of rapid, accurate, and easily accessible diagnostic tests that can be used at home or at the point of care (Section 4(b)).
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Increased Vaccine Confidence and Education: The act directs the creation of partnerships to educate the public on vaccine safety and efficacy, specifically targeting those who may be hesitant (Section 5(c)(1)).
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Improved Treatment Access: A "test-to-treat" demonstration project is authorized to expand access to influenza treatments (Section 5(f)(1)).
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Strengthened Supply Chains: By establishing public-private partnerships, the bill aims to strengthen the domestic vaccine supply chain, including the production of ingredients and distribution (Section 3(c)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Seniors+7Good For Children+6Good For Native Americans+6Good For Rural Residents+6Good For Low Income Households+5Good For People With Disabilities+5Good For Veterans+5
- Healthcare
- Improves Pandemic Preparedness+9Improves Healthcare Access+7Increases Medicaid Funding+4
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+8
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Fiscal Responsibility+5
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+4
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Public Transit+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+2
- 4/22/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 5 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Nanette BarragánDemocrat · California
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Deborah RossDemocrat · North Carolina
Melanie StansburyDemocrat · New Mexico
Shri ThanedarDemocrat · Michigan