Bill Summary
The "Federal Investment in Grants for Health Transportation and Flu-vaccination Local Units Act of 2026" proposes an amendment to the Public Health Service Act aimed at enhancing immunization efforts across the United States. This legislation directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create a demonstration program that will provide grants to states for the establishment and expansion of mobile vaccination units.
These mobile units will facilitate the delivery of recommended immunizations for children, adolescents, and adults, thereby improving access to vaccines. States interested in receiving grant funding must submit an application detailing their plans. The funds can be used for setting up mobile units, purchasing necessary vehicles and equipment, and acquiring vaccines.
Additionally, the Secretary is required to report to Congress by September 30, 2027, on the program's effectiveness and make recommendations regarding its future continuation and expansion. The act includes provisions for the necessary appropriations to support these initiatives in fiscal year 2027.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the "Federal Investment in Grants for Health Transportation and Flu-vaccination Local Units Act of 2026" could affect people:
1. **Increased Access to Vaccinations**: The establishment of mobile vaccination units could significantly improve access to immunizations for underserved populations, including those in rural or low-income urban areas. Families who may have previously faced barriers, such as transportation challenges or lack of local healthcare facilities, would be able to receive vaccinations for their children, adolescents, and themselves more easily.
2. **Public Health Improvement**: By facilitating the provision of recommended vaccinations, the legislation could lead to higher immunization rates in the community. This would contribute to herd immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. Consequently, this could lead to improved public health outcomes and lower healthcare costs associated with treating preventable illnesses.
3. **Economic Impact on Local Communities**: The funding provided to states for mobile vaccination units may create jobs and stimulate local economies. States will need personnel to operate these units, such as healthcare workers and administrative staff, and they may also engage local businesses for services like vehicle maintenance and supply procurement. This infusion of funds could support local economies while addressing public health needs.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7465 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7465
To amend the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of
Health and Human Services to establish a demonstration program to award
grants to States to improve the provision of recommended immunizations
for children, adolescents, and adults through the use of mobile
vaccination units, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 10, 2026
Mr. Gottheimer (for himself and Mrs. Kiggans of Virginia) introduced
the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of
Health and Human Services to establish a demonstration program to award
grants to States to improve the provision of recommended immunizations
for children, adolescents, and adults through the use of mobile
vaccination units, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Federal Investment in Grants for
Health Transportation and Flu-vaccination Local Units Act of 2026''.
SEC. 2. DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM TO AWARD GRANTS TO STATES FOR MOBILE
VACCINATION UNITS.
Section 317 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247b) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(o) Demonstration Program To Award Grants to States for Mobile
Vaccination Units.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a
demonstration program to award grants to States to improve the
provision of recommended immunizations for children,
adolescents, and adults through the use of mobile vaccination
units.
``(2) Applications.--To be eligible for a grant under the
program, a State shall submit to the Secretary an application
at such time, in such form, and containing such information as
the Secretary may require.
``(3) Use of funds.--Funds received by a State under a
grant under this subsection shall be used to--
``(A) establish or expand mobile vaccination units
in the State; and
``(B) assist in covering the costs associated with
the mobile vaccine units, including acquiring vehicles,
equipment, and vaccines.
``(4) Report to congress.--Not later than September 30,
2027, the Secretary shall transmit to Congress a report on the
effectiveness of the demonstration program established under
this subsection, together with recommendations on whether to
continue and expand the program.
``(5) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection such
sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2027.''.
<all>