March 21, 2020 - WASHINGTON – Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) is finalizing legislation to give everyone access to the Coronavirus vaccine once it’s completed all necessary testing and development. The Universal Coronavirus Vaccine Act would allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to administer a Coronavirus vaccine to all Americans at no cost to patients.

“Everyone needs health care – and that’s even truer now with the outbreak of the Coronavirus,” said Rep. Harder. “It will save us lives and money in the long run if we guarantee everyone can get this vaccine for free. Development is still a ways off, but putting the stake in the ground now should give people confidence that everyone will be able to get this vaccine.”

The Universal Coronavirus Vaccine Act is adapted from an earlier bill to allow HHS to provide free Hepatitis A vaccines in at-risk and outbreak areas. A similar provision aimed at eliminating out-of-pocket costs for testing was included in the first Coronavirus package, which passed Congress and was signed into law.

Inoculating every American will be a multi-billion dollar task– but if we don’t act, further spread of the Coronavirus could cost $90 billion.

Representative Harder is a leader on efforts to respond to the Coronavirus. His Paid Sick Leave Credit Act was signed into law this week by the President. That bill will allocate tax credits to employers that provide paid sick leave to employees affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.
Source: Congressman Josh Harder