COVID-19 Rider 40
COVID-19 Vaccine Provider FAQ
The General Appropriations Act, House Bill 1 (H.B. 1), Article II, Rider 40, is effective September 1, 2023. Rider 40 prohibits the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) from using appropriated funds to promote or advertise COVID-19 vaccinations as stated below.
COVID-19 Vaccinations: None of the General Revenue funds appropriated to the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) may be used for the purposes of promoting or advertising COVID-19 vaccinations in the 2024-2025 biennium. It is also the intent of the legislature that to the extent allowed by federal law, any federal funds allocated to DSHS shall be expended for activities other than promoting or advertising COVID-19 vaccinations.
Guidance:
DSHS and entities funded by DSHS must not promote or advertise COVID-19 vaccinations. Under this guidance, COVID-19 vaccinations can be listed alongside other Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended vaccines in educational materials. However, COVID-19 vaccinations should not be singled out from other vaccines, listed alone, or otherwise listed in a manner meant to promote or advertise COVID-19 vaccinations. Clinics may inform patients that COVID-19 vaccinations are available if it is not being singled out from other vaccines.