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119-hr-8447119th CongressWALLET

Protecting America from Seasonal and Pandemic Influenza Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Representative Larsen, Rick [D-WA-2]

Introduced

Summary

Modernize U.S. influenza preparedness by boosting vaccine research, supply chains, stockpiles, diagnostics, therapeutics, and rapid response capacity. The bill would set timelines for rapid vaccine delivery, establish a 10-year national goal for a universal influenza vaccine, and require annual implementation reporting.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Faster, better vaccines and tests

If enacted, the bill would set a national goal to develop a universal flu vaccine within 10 years and require a plan within one year. It would require a plan within six months to have capacity to deliver first vaccine doses within 12 weeks of a new pandemic strain and expect that capacity within three years. The FDA would work with vaccine makers to shorten evaluation by six weeks. NIH and BARDA would support research for rapid diagnostics and at-home tests, and HHS would report annually on vaccine modernization through 2030.

More money and stockpiles for flu

If enacted, the bill would provide $335 million each year from FY2027 through FY2031 for pandemic influenza preparedness and direct HHS to create a pandemic influenza medical countermeasures program. The program would build and manage bulk antigen and adjuvant stockpiles, modernize the Strategic National Stockpile (including vendor-managed inventory and dynamic antiviral management), and require HHS to track and publicly report antiviral availability and set up rapid distribution for urgent needs. The bill would also require plans, within one year, to strengthen diagnostics supply chains and run a one-season influenza test-to-treat demonstration with a public evaluation within six months after it ends.

More flu access for high-risk

If enacted, HHS would publish a plan within one year to make sure high-risk, high-exposure, low-income, Tribal, Medicaid, and uninsured groups can get flu medicines, antibody prevention, and tests, especially during shortages. The bill would also require HHS to set up partnerships and consult with groups that work with vulnerable people before and after each flu season. The CDC would have to report every year on its public communication strategy to boost vaccine confidence. A nonprofit-run pilot to test vaccine confidence would start within six months and must post an evaluation within six months after it ends.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Larsen, Rick [D-WA-2]

WA • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2]

    NC • D

    Sponsored 4/22/2026

  • Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1]

    NM • D

    Sponsored 4/22/2026

  • Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]

    DC • D

    Sponsored 4/22/2026

  • Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 4/22/2026

  • Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13]

    MI • D

    Sponsored 4/22/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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