Utah Scientific Vaccine Advisory Committee

Purpose

The Utah Scientific Vaccine Advisory Committee was established in 1999 to provide recommendations and guidance to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Population Health, on current management of vaccine.

Rationale

Clinical expertise by physicians experienced in the fields of vaccinology, preventive medicine, vaccine preventable disease management, pediatrics, epidemiology, and family practice will provide guidance on appropriate medical recommendations for immunization practices in Utah. The committee will operate in an advisory capacity to assess newly approved vaccines and updated vaccine recommendations, and to collaborate with the Division of Population Health in determining vaccine recommendations and requirements for Utah.

Description

This committee will be chaired by the Director of the Division of Population Health. The committee will meet quarterly to discuss vaccine-related issues. Minutes will be recorded and an agenda will be prepared prior to the meeting.

Membership

There will be six members who will serve a term of three years with the option of renewing for one additional term. Terms of service will be staggered to allow overlap in committee membership and experience. Committee members shall consist of the following positions:

• Pediatric infectious disease specialist
• State American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) representative
• State American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) representative
• Local health officer (physician)
• State epidemiologist
• Utah Department of Health and Human Services
• Director, Utah DHHS Division of Population Health