States could counter potential Trump administration vaccine shortages by producing vaccines themselves

Joel Dodge, director of industrial policy at Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator, warns that the Trump administration is considering changes to the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, a policy that has helped secure the U.S. vaccine supply for four decades. He says the proposed changes could jeopardize access and lead to shortages.

Dodge argues that state governments have the authority to step in and establish public manufacturing facilities to produce vaccines directly, providing a safety net if federal policy falters. He outlines how such state‑level action could preserve vaccine availability for Americans.

The piece notes that vaccine supply has not always been guaranteed, recalling the wave of lawsuits in the 1980s over diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccines that threatened the market. By highlighting this history, Dodge underscores the importance of a resilient domestic production system.

Overall, the article calls for proactive state involvement to protect public health and maintain a stable vaccine pipeline amid uncertain federal decisions.