2024 Texas Vaccine Policy Symposium

Описание: Nov. 15, 2024

Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of disease and prevent deaths, preventing more than 4 million deaths each year. However, the politicization of vaccines has resulted in increased vaccine hesitancy in the U.S. and policies that exacerbate this issue.

At the 2024 Texas Vaccine Policy Symposium, researchers and stakeholders from across the state will discuss the impact of vaccines in Texas and the challenges ahead as we look toward the 89th Texas legislative session, which starts in January 2025. Speakers will include vaccine scholar Dr. Saad Omer, dean of the Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, who will discuss the impact of vaccines on public health and ways to improve access, and Michael Emerson, the Baker Institute’s Chavanne Fellow in Religion and Public Policy, who will discuss how vaccine advocacy should be an integral part of religious faith, to help others who are less fortunate. In addition, Texas State Representative Ann Johnson will comment on major issues and challenges in the upcoming state legislative session. The event will feature ways to uncouple vaccines from politics and how to effectively advocate for policies that can increase access to vaccines for those who need them most.

9:00 am
Welcome Remarks

Kirstin R.W. Matthews, Ph.D.
Fellow in Science and Technology Policy, Baker Institute

Terri Burke
Executive Director, The Immunization Partnership

9:10 am
Presentation I

Introductions by: Rekha Lakshmanan, Nonresident Scholar, Center for Health and Biosciences, Baker Institute

Saad Omer, MPH., Ph.D., MBBS.
Dean of the Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health and Professor, UT Southwestern Medical Center

9:40 am
Presentation II

Introductions by: Kirstin R.W. Matthews, Ph.D., Baker Institute

Michael Emerson, Ph.D.
Chavanne Fellow, Religion and Public Policy Program, Baker Institute

10:10 am
Presentation III

Introductions by: Daniel S. Wagner, Rice Faculty Scholar, Baker Institute; Associate Professor, Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rice University

The Honorable Ann Johnson
Texas State Representative, 134th District

10:40 am
Q&A Session

Moderated by: Daniel S. Wagner, Baker Institute; Rice University

11:25 am
Closing Remarks

Kirstin R.W. Matthews, Ph.D.
Fellow in Science and Technology Policy, Baker Institute

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The Baker Institute is a nonpartisan public policy institute at Rice University. Ranked the No. 1 university-based think tank in the world, its mission is to bridge the world of ideas and the world of action. Visit our website to learn more: https://www.bakerinstitute.org/.