A communication from the Department of Public Health (see Section 24N of Chapter 111 of the General Laws) submitting the Vaccine Purchase Trust Fund fiscal year 2024 annual report

This bill submits the Department of Public Health's annual report on the Vaccine Purchase Trust Fund for fiscal year 2024 to the Massachusetts General Court. The fund finances the state's universal purchase and distribution system for routine childhood immunizations, ensuring that children under 19 have access to recommended vaccines through their healthcare providers. During the reported period, the fund collected $208 million from health insurance surcharges and spent $138 million on vaccine purchases and registry maintenance. The report details a significant increase in costs driven by the addition of new vaccines for COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus, as well as catch-up vaccinations following the pandemic.