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.
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 may also affect insurance coverage for recommended vaccines, creating new barriers to preventive care for patients who rely on consistent access to protect their health.
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.
Recent AiArthritis Advocacy
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
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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.
#WTHellth?!
Share your frustrations with the healthcare system using #WTHellth. Prefer privacy? Submit a written rant anonymously through AiArthritis’ RANT! program, selecting the #WTHellth category.