Vaccines
Vaccines are an important tool for protecting individuals from preventable diseases. As efforts to change the U.S. childhood vaccine recommendations continue, protecting patient access remains critical. AiArthritis strongly advocates for protecting vaccine access and coverage for all, ensuring that our community can stay healthy and protected.
AiArthritis Position Statement On Vaccines
AiArthritis is focused on protecting patient access to vaccines and ensuring insurance coverage is not negatively impacted by changing federal administrative actions or evolving vaccine recommendations.
Background
For people living with
autoimmune and
autoinflammatory
(AiArthritis)
diseases, vaccination decisions are often more complex because disease activity, immune function, and immunosuppressive medications can affect both the timing and effectiveness of vaccines.
Recent federal administrative actions have created uncertainty around vaccine recommendations and the processes used to develop them. Changes to national recommendations will also impact insurance coverage for recommended vaccines, creating new barriers to preventive care for patients who rely on consistent access to protect their health.
Recent AiArthritis Advocacy
In response to federal actions to change the childhood vaccine recommendations,
AiArthritis has taken action by signing onto letters and legal briefs that advocate for patient access to vaccines. These efforts help ensure that patients have a voice in policy decisions that impact their health and community.
Supporting the Plaintiffs in American Academy of Pediatrics v. Kennedy (February 2026)
In February 2026, AiArthritis collaborated with the Alliance for Aging Research to sign a letter supporting the plaintiffs in the American Academy of Pediatrics v. Kennedy. The case challenges changes made by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to federal childhood vaccine recommendations in January 2026. It includes changes to recommendations for vaccines that protect patients against illnesses such as flu, RSV, hepatitis A and B, COVID-19, and more.
These actions have created uncertainty for patients and healthcare providers about which vaccines are recommended and when they should be administered. It also further impacts vaccine access as federal recommendations impact insurance coverage and possible out-of-pocket costs, increasing barriers to receive care. For patients living with autoimmune and autoinflammatory conditions, access to vaccines is especially important. Vaccine-preventable infections can lead to disease flares, hospitalizations, and disruptions to everyday life. Clear, evidence-based recommendations assist patients and their healthcare providers make informed decisions to protect their health.
Please click here to learn more about the letter!
Advocating for the progression of MFLUSIVA, an mRNA Flu Vaccine (June 2026)
On June 18, 2026, AiArthritis joined the Alliance for Aging Research and other patient advocacy and healthcare organizations in advising the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to continue advancing MFLUSIVA, an mRNA flu vaccine option for adults 50 years and older.
AiArthritis supports ensuring patients have access to all available mRNA vaccine options so they can make informed decisions about their vaccinations and overall healthcare. Expanding vaccine access would allow for patients and their healthcare providers to have greater flexibility in choosing what works best for their individual needs. This is especially important for the autoimmune and autoinflammatory community who may face a greater risk of serious infections. When people are able to vaccinate, it can help reduce the spread of preventable illnesses for patients, families, and communities.
Please click here to learn more about the letter!
Joining an Amicus Brief for American Academy of Pediatrics v. Kennedy (Filed July 17, 2026)
An amicus or “friend of the court” brief is a legal document filed by organizations or experts who are not directly involved in a lawsuit but have specialized knowledge or expertise that may help the court understand the broader implications of a case.
On July 17, 2026, AiArthritis joined the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) and numerous patient advocacy organizations in filing an amicus brief in American Academy of Pediatrics v. Kennedy. This is a federal lawsuit challenging recent federal agency actions related to vaccine recommendations. The case focuses on protecting evidence-based decision-making, preserving scientific expertise in vaccine policy, and ensuring patients continue to have access to recommended vaccines and insurance coverage.
The brief emphasizes that vaccine recommendations should continue to be made by independent medical and scientific experts who evaluate vaccine safety, effectiveness, and public health evidence. Patients rely on these evidence-based recommendations to make informed decisions, and they also play an important role in helping patients access recommended vaccines through their insurance.
For people living with autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases, vaccine decisions should be based on their individual health needs and conversations with their healthcare providers. Clear, evidence-based recommendations help patients make informed decisions and ensure they can continue accessing the vaccines that are appropriate for them.
Please click here to read more about the brief!
How To Get More Involved!
Ready to deepen your involvement? Share experiences to support our fight for change with
AiArthritis—join us for co-writing letters, virtual Field Trips, or become an inaugural
AiAdvocate in our policy leadership program!
Patient Education - Legislator Education Sheet
A downloadable PDF is available on Vaccines.
Join the Knowledge = Empowerment Program
A virtual, patient-led classroom approach designed to help patients understand legislative issues affecting treatment access and connect them with opportunities to advocate for change.