When enough people in a population are vaccinated against an infectious disease, “community immunity” protects the entire population. Community immunity helps protect those who cannot get vaccinated because they are too young, have weakened immune systems, or are part of the small portion of the population on whom vaccines are ineffective.
The facts are simple: Vaccines are safe. They are highly effective. They are supported by every major American medical society and government agency and are a routine part of pediatric care. Yet the growing number of VPD outbreaks suggest more must be done to support immunization and halt the spread of serious—and potentially deadly—diseases.
Children's Defense Fund submitted comments to voice our strong opposition to the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) proposed rule regarding "verification of eligible status" because it threatens the health, development and well-being of children.
The Children’s Defense Fund is proud to be among the advocacy organizations who included our voice in a friend-of-the-court brief to the U.S. Supreme Court that uplifts this powerful message: Employment discrimination against LGBTQ people harms children. The brief, submitted by pro bono counsel at Latham & Watkins LLP and the Southern Poverty Law Center, urges the Court to rule in favor of LGBTQ employees who have confronted workplace discrimination.
CDF joined other national organizations to submit comments on the Request for Information from the CMS, HHS and DOTR related to Section 1332 of the Affordable Care Act. We called for the Departments to rescind the newly released guidance and, instead, retain the 2015 guidance that aligns with federal law in order to ensure the guardrails are maintained and strengthened, rather than eroded.
Children's Defense Fund joined other leading national organizations to express our strong support for the Humane Enforcement and Legal Protections (HELP) for Separated Children Act (H.R. 3451) and the Help Separated Families Act (H.R. 3452), which codify protections for children who may be separated from their parents by immigration enforcement actions in the interior.
CDF’s response to the request for public comments from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) on amending the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) 2016 Final Rule. CDF expressed strong concern about modifications to the AFCARS 2016 Final Rule and strongly urged ACF to continue moving forward with implementation of the Final Rule without changes.
CDF submitted comments to voice our recommendation that, consistent with longstanding law and practice and Congressional intent, the OPM should continue to be annually adjusted by CPI-U in order to protect critical programs for children and families from future cuts.
CDF joined other leading organizations to share our support for the Vaccine Awareness Campaign to Champion Immunization Nationally and Enhance Safety (VACCINES) Act of 2019 (H.R. 2862), which is a critical step in combating vaccine hesitancy and misinformation and ensuring that there is continued public awareness of the importance of vaccinations.