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Rethinking Vaccination Policy and Reinforcing Public Health's Foundation "Under the Microscope"

  • 1.  Rethinking Vaccination Policy and Reinforcing Public Health's Foundation "Under the Microscope"

    ASCP Ambassador
    Posted 01-20-2026 16:24

    Rohde R.E. Rethinking Vaccination Policy and Reinforcing Public Health's Foundation "Under the Microscope" – Healthcare Hygiene Magazine. January / February, Volume 8, Number 1/2, pp 10-11. January 20, 2026. https://joom.ag/onEd/p10



    ------------------------------
    Rodney E. Rohde, PhD, MS, SM(ASCP)CM,SVCM,MBCM, FACSc
    Regents' Professor, Texas State University System
    University Distinguished Chair & Professor, Medical Laboratory Science [MLS] Program
    TEDx Speaker & Global Fellow – Global Citizenship Alliance
    Texas State Honorary Professor of International Studies
    Associate Director, Translational Health Research Initiative @txst_THR
    Past President, Texas Association for CLS

    Texas State University
    MLS Program, Encino Hall 350B [office ENC 363]
    601 University Drive
    San Marcos, TX 78666-4616
    512-245-3500 [CLS suite]; 512-245-2562 [office]
    Email: rrohde@txstate.edu
    Pronouns: he/him/his
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Rethinking Vaccination Policy and Reinforcing Public Health's Foundation "Under the Microscope"

    Posted 01-21-2026 12:56
    We Labvocate on improving the health of pediatrics and children.


    •Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization

    Act of 2025 H.R. 4709

    •Strengthen newborn screening (NBS) - a vital public health that saves lives by enabling early diagnosis and treatment of rare conditions, ensuring timely access, quality improvement, and health equity for all newborns



    33

    Oppose:
    • Unnecessary regulatory hurdles limiting access to care that are not based on science or the best interest of patients
    • Efforts to weaken vaccination standards via the regulatory or sub regulatory process
    Best,
    Elma
    Elma F. Kamari Bidkorpeh 
    CLS CDPH-LFS, CLS NCA, MLS(ASCP)CM

    ASAE Tomorrow's Workforce Coalition, Member
    ADLM SoCal Section Past Secretary & Education Board, Active Member
    ASCLS Labvocate Ambassador 
    CCLO Core Group Leader
    CAP Inspector & CLSI Volunteer 
    MPHLWC, Policy Subgroup
    PAMET-USA, Inc. Past 1st VP, Legislative Chair,
    SoCal Chapter Past President, Adviser
    Workforce Action Alliance, Working Group on Initiatives "Future Skills & Trends & Rewards"


    Note: 
    California's Assembly Bill 144 (AB 144) was signed into law, requiring health plans and insurers in the state to cover preventive care and immunizations recommended by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and federal bodies like the CDC, ensuring widespread, often no-cost, access to vaccines for Californians. Signed by Governor Newsom, this 2025-2026 legislative bill mandates coverage for vaccines based on guidelines from groups like ACIP, AAP, and ACOG, building on past vaccine access laws. 
    What AB 144 Does:
    Mandates Coverage: Health plans (private and Medi-Cal) must cover preventive care and immunizations recommended by the CDPH and specified national health organizations.
    Expands Access: Ensures vaccines for residents, including children, are covered, often at no cost, by most insurance plans in California.
    Builds on Existing Law: This law updates the requirements for preventive care coverage, continuing California's efforts to increase vaccination rates. 
    Key Impact:
    California residents will have easier access to essential immunizations, reducing financial barriers. 
    Where to Find More Info:
    For official details, you can check the LegiScan bill text or official guidance from the California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) website.







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