The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion Tuesday to protect community health and maximize local resources for vaccine education and access as federal funding for immunization programs faces cuts.
Los Angeles County's Department of Public Health is confronting a 26% reduction to its Vaccine Preventable Disease Control Program under a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funding agreement. The cuts threaten critical local efforts to educate residents and prevent the spread of communicable diseases.
Measles cases in California have already surpassed last year's total, signaling the urgent need to maintain outreach, especially in underserved communities.
Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, who authored the motion with co-author Supervisor Hilda Solis, said the action focuses on disease prevention.
"Today's action is about keeping people healthy and preventing the spread of disease—something that should never be up for debate," Horvath said. "Even as federal funding is pulled back, Los Angeles County is stepping up—stretching every resource we have to make sure communities stay informed and protected."
Horvath said the county is working with trusted partners to deliver facts, build trust and make vaccines accessible.
"We're working with trusted partners to deliver facts, build trust, and make vaccines accessible—because prevention works, and waiting for an outbreak is not an option," she said.
Los Angeles County Chair Pro Tem and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis emphasized the county's role as a safety net for vulnerable populations.
"Now more than ever, as the safety net for our most vulnerable, the County of Los Angeles must be prepared for the fiscal and ever changing federal policy challenges," Solis said. "Today's motion ensures we move intentionally and proactively to ensure everyone, including families with children, older adults, and residents with underlying health conditions are adequately informed and protected."
The Board directed the Department of Public Health to report back in 60 days on the impact of federal vaccine funding cuts, identify high-need communities and outline a plan to sustain services.
The department will coordinate with partners to expand vaccine education, fight misinformation and connect residents with low-cost options while ensuring providers have clear, up-to-date guidance via advisories, site visits and ph.lacounty.gov/vaccines.
Edited by SMDP Staff