DEPARTMENT: Health
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Dr. Thomas L. Schlenker
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Authorizing Submission of an Annual Renewal Application for the CDC Immunization and Vaccines for Children Grant
SUMMARY:
This Ordinance authorizes the submission of a grant renewal application to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease, for the Immunization and Vaccines for Children (VFC) grant, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and authorizes a proposed program budget, program income, personnel complement, and the acceptance of funds upon award in an amount not to exceed $2,522,097.00 for the ongoing Immunization Project of the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (Metro Health) for a term beginning January 1, 2015 and ending December 31, 2015.
In addition, the Director of Metro Health is authorized to execute any necessary documents and contracts for the efficient maintenance and delivery of program services including contract amendments pertaining to a) line item budget revisions authorized by the funding agency; b) modifications to the performance measures authorized by the funding agency and listed in the contracts so long as the terms of the amendment stay within the general parameters of the grant's intention; and c) changes in State or Federal regulations mandated by the funding agency.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
In collaboration with the CDC, Metro Health administers an Immunization Project that works to reduce illnesses by maximizing the number of children immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, rubella, mumps, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, Haemophilus influenza type b, varicella, pneumonia, hepatitis A & B, rotavirus, human papillomavirus (HPV), influenza, and meningitis. The project has two components, the Vaccines for Children Program (VFC Program) and the 317 Childhood Immunization Program (Section 317 Program).
The VFC Program provides vaccines recommended by the CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to over 175 VFC-enrolled healthcare providers in San Antonio. This program targets children who are eligible for Medicaid and those who are either uninsured or underinsured (i.e. child's insurance does not cover immunizations). The Section 317 Program provides supplemental vaccines targeted to children seen in VFC provider and Metro Health clinic settings who are not eligible for VFC vaccines. The VFC and Section 317 Programs also provide support for project personnel and infrastructure. The Section 317 Program supports the San Antonio Immunization Registry.
In FY 2015, Metro Health clinics are projected to administer an estimated 22,000 immunizations and the 175 VFC providers are projected to administer an additional 504,000 immunizations to eligible participants of these programs. Overall, a total of 526,000 doses of vaccine are projected to be administered to the community through the VFC and Section 317 immunization programs.
ISSUE:
Metro Health has received funding from the CDC for Immunization and Vaccines for Children Programs for over 20 years to support public health immunization programming and vaccine delivery to Bexar County. The immunization of children to prevent illnesses like pertussis, measles, rubella, mumps and other vaccine preventable diseases, continues to be an important health strategy. This ordinance will allow Metro Health to continue the important work of providing enhanced education, outreach, technical support, immunizations, disease surveillance, adult/adolescent health activities, immunization registry data entry and vaccine distribution services.
ALTERNATIVES:
The funding provided by this grant supports vital immunization services for children. Should City Council choose not to approve the submission of this grant renewal application, funds will be redistributed to other grantees, limiting opportunities to provide immunization services to San Antonio residents, particularly children.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Metro Health is requesting authorization to submit a grant renewal application to the CDC to continue the Immunization and Vaccines for Children Program for an amount up to $2,522,097.00 for a term beginning January 1, 2015 and ending December 31, 2015. This Ordinance will also authorize the acceptance of funds upon award, a proposed program budget, program income and a personnel complement which supports funding for thirty-four (34) full time positions. No other positions will be added. This grant does not require a cash match and there is no impact on the General Fund.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of an Ordinance authorizing the submission of the grant renewal application by Metro Health to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and authorizing the acceptance of funds upon award to continue to provide immunization services for underserved children in Bexar County in order to prevent diseases.