Immediate Release

Media Contact: 

Adjoa Kyerematen

akyerematen@nmqf.org

202-220-8505 

National Minority Quality Forum Encourages Birthing Hospitals to Join CDC’s  Vaccines for Children Program

NMQF Launches Every Child Leaves Protected Campaign As RSV Cases Spike 

Washington, D.C. [Dec 13, 2024] — As respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases begin to spike, the National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) urges birthing hospitals across the country to participate in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. NMQF also encourages hospitals to engage their payers to secure a path-to-payment for inpatient utilization of RSV immunization. This call to action emphasizes the critical role of early vaccination in safeguarding infants, especially those in underserved communities who are at higher risk for severe RSV-related illness and complications.

RSV is a highly contagious respiratory virus that poses significant health risks to young children, infants, and older adults. Each year, RSV infections lead to the hospitalization of thousands of infants under one year of age in the United States. Children from racial and ethnic minority communities, who often face barriers to healthcare access, are particularly vulnerable to RSV and its complications. Through the VFC program, eligible children can access vital vaccines, including the recently FDA-approved RSV immunizations, at no cost, helping bridge gaps in healthcare equity.

One in four children on Medicaid are not returning for their first-week visit – a critical period for an infant to be safeguarded from infectious diseases. Meanwhile, one in eight infants with commercial insurance also miss their first-week visit. While nearly every commercial payer covers RSV immunization in the outpatient setting, current reimbursement dynamics can be challenging for inpatient immunization. Hospitals and health systems must work with payers to secure a path to payment to increase inpatient administration of Nirsevimab and prevent gaps in care. 

In 2025, NMQF will launch “Every Child Leaves Protected”, a campaign to encourage birthing hospitals to bridge health gaps by providing Beyfortus™ (Nirsevimab) the only antibody for season-long RSV disease protection that extends through five months. The focus on early vaccination is crucial, particularly for infants in underserved communities who face more significant barriers to healthcare access.

Historically, African American and other minoritized communities have experienced systemic inequities in healthcare, which include limited access to preventive measures like vaccinations. By providing no-cost vaccines, the VFC program helps to level the playing field, ensuring that all children, regardless of their background, have a healthier start in life.

Moreover, the effort by hospitals to participate in this program or enable agreements with commercial insurers to provide this immunization in the hospital not only supports individual child health but also strengthens community health outcomes by preventing serious illnesses that can place additional strains on healthcare resources. 

“We at the National Minority Quality Forum are committed to supporting equitable access to RSV vaccines to ensure no child leaves the hospital unprotected from largely preventable diseases,” said Adjoa Kyerematen, Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications. “By participating in the VFC program, birthing hospitals can play a pivotal role in reaching underserved communities. It’s a proactive approach that addresses the root causes of health inequity through education and resource provision, highlighting the importance of comprehensive strategies to ensure healthy futures for all children. We strongly encourage hospitals to join us in this effort to close health disparities and prevent RSV-related hospitalizations.”

NMQF’s initiative highlights the importance of proactive steps to protect vulnerable infants and emphasizes the benefits for birthing hospitals to participate in the VFC program, which includes:

• Increasing healthcare access by providing eligible children with no-cost VFC RSV immunizations. .
• Reducing health disparities among economically disadvantaged communities.
• Supporting public health by preventing serious respiratory infections and related complications in infants.

To support this effort, NMQF has developed resources for birthing hospitals to assist in enrolling in the VFC program and encourages healthcare providers to educate parents about the importance of RSV vaccination.

For more information about the Vaccines for Children program and how birthing hospitals can participate, please visit http://rsvequity.org

###

About the National Minority Quality Forum

Founded in 1998, National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) is a United States-based, health care research, education and advocacy organization whose mission is to reduce patient risk and advance health equity by assuring optimal care for all. The mission is to reduce patient risk of hospitalizations, emergency room visits, disabilities, and death, while also promoting high-quality, long lives, particularly for the most vulnerable. NMQF utilizes data and research to support and mobilize healthcare organizations, leaders, policymakers, and patients in advocating for optimal care for every individual, especially those in minoritized communities. For more information, please visit http://www.nmqf.org.