Supporting the designation of the first week of April as "Adolescent Immunization Action Week" and recognizing the importance of encouraging vaccination for adolescents and young adults to protect against serious illness.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 388
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-05-06: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-07T20:43:26Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 388) aims to support designating the first week of April as "Adolescent Immunization Action Week." It recognizes the critical role of vaccinations in protecting adolescents and young adults from serious, preventable illnesses, emphasizing community responsibility and the need to combat vaccine misinformation.
Key Provisions
- Background Clauses ("Whereas"): Highlights the importance of adolescent health to the nation's future; notes vulnerabilities in access to preventive care; affirms vaccines' safety and effectiveness based on clinical trials; references national health goals like Healthy People 2030; points to declining immunization rates post-COVID-19, especially in rural, underserved, and minority communities; addresses parental hesitancy, misinformation (affecting over 75% of parents and teens), and low trust in health sources; stresses the role of healthcare providers in delivering accurate information and the need for collaboration across government levels.
- Resolved Actions:
- Supports the designation of "Adolescent Immunization Awareness Week" (noting a minor discrepancy in the text between "Action Week" and "Awareness Week").
- Urges citizens, community groups, faith organizations, medical providers, leaders, agencies, and advocacy groups to boost participation in adolescent immunization efforts to prevent illnesses and strengthen communities.
- Calls on healthcare providers to address historical medical mistrust in underserved areas.
- Requests the President to issue a proclamation encouraging nationwide recognition through events, activities, and programs.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic expression of congressional support rather than enacting enforceable policy.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: May increase public awareness of adolescent vaccinations, potentially improving immunization rates among teens and young adults, particularly in vulnerable groups like rural residents (e.g., 53% of rural teens uninterested in COVID-19 vaccines) and ethnic minorities facing coverage gaps. It promotes better-informed decisions by parents and caregivers, countering low prioritization of vaccines (e.g., only 46% see COVID-19 shots as important).
- On Government Agencies: Encourages federal, state, and local collaboration on public health initiatives, aligning with Department of Health and Human Services goals like Healthy People 2030. A presidential proclamation could amplify messaging without requiring new funding or regulations.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, as it focuses on domestic U.S. public health.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Adolescents and Young Adults: Primary beneficiaries, as the resolution targets protections against vaccine-preventable diseases.
- Parents, Caregivers, and Families: Urged to prioritize immunizations and seek accurate information amid misinformation.
- Healthcare Providers and Medical Institutions: Responsible for combating mistrust, delivering trusted vaccine info, and increasing vaccination efforts.
- Communities: Especially rural, Southern, and underserved populations with historical medical distrust or disparities in vaccine access.
- Government and Organizations: Includes federal/state/local agencies, elected officials, faith groups, and patient advocacy organizations, called to collaborate and participate.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: As a simple resolution, it has no legal force and raises no constitutional issues; it operates within Congress's power to express policy views on public health without mandating action.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support for preventive health (introduced by a diverse group of representatives) and addresses post-pandemic challenges like vaccine hesitancy. It could influence public discourse on health equity and misinformation without partisan controversy, potentially paving the way for future funding or awareness campaigns.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13]
Cosponsors (7)
Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Auchincloss, Jake [D-MA-4], Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Scanlon, Mary Gay [D-PA-5], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9]
Recent Actions
- 2025-05-06: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-05-06: Submitted in House
- 2025-05-06: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Supporting the designation of the first week of April as "Adolescent Immunization Action Week" and recognizing the importance of encouraging vaccination for adolescents and young adults to protect against serious illness. — issued 2025-05-06 — PDF (4 pages)