Established in 1987, the National Vaccine Advisory Committee (NVAC) recommends ways to achieve optimal prevention of human infectious diseases through vaccine development, and provides direction to prevent adverse reactions to vaccines. This advice is presented to the Assistant Secretary for Health who serves as the Director of National Vaccine Program on matters related to program responsibilities. In 2017, NVAC celebrated 30 years of advising the nation on critical immunization topics.
Functions of NVAC
- Studies and recommends ways to encourage the availability of an adequate supply of safe and effective vaccination products in the States.
- Recommends research priorities and other measures the Director of the National Vaccine Program should take to enhance the safety and efficacy of vaccines.
- Advises the Director of the Program in implementation of sections 2102 and 2103 of the Public Health Service Act.
- Identifies the most important areas of government and non-government cooperation that should be considered in implementing sections 2102 and 2103 of the Public Health Service Act.
