Us Congress House Bill HB9942

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/8/24
• Refer: 10/8/24

Caption

Valley Fever Awareness and Vaccine Development and Manufacturing Act of 2024

Impact

The legislation envisions a structured approach to combat valley fever through the creation of a National Valley Fever Registry. This registry will gather data on the incidence and prevalence of the disease, enabling better resource allocation and research priorities. Additionally, the bill appropriates federal funds amounting to $25 million for the development and manufacturing of the vaccine from fiscal years 2025 to 2030. By potentially reducing the incidence of valley fever, this bill could lead to significant public health improvements and economic benefits in affected states.

Summary

House Bill 9942, titled the 'Valley Fever Awareness and Vaccine Development and Manufacturing Act of 2024', seeks to support the development and manufacturing of a human vaccine for valley fever, a fungal infection caused by coccidioides spores. The bill establishes a national strategy aimed at coordinating federal efforts to expedite the vaccine's research, approval, and production processes. This is crucial due to the increasing prevalence and economic burden of valley fever across affected regions, where patients can suffer severe health impacts if infected.

Contention

While the bill aims to address a critical public health challenge, potential points of contention may arise regarding the funding priorities and the management of the National Valley Fever Registry. Stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, researchers, and patient advocacy groups, will likely have varying opinions on how funds should be allocated and the extent of government involvement in vaccine development. Ensuring that equitable access to the vaccine is prioritized, along with maintaining patient confidentiality in registry data collection, could be subjects of debate as the bill moves through the legislative process.