Protecting DC Physicians and Patients: MSDC’s September Board Meeting Highlights September 17, 2025

On September 15, 2025, the MSDC Board of Directors convened virtually to advance its strategic goals and reinforce its commitment to protecting physicians and patients in the District of Columbia. The meeting was held via Zoom due to renovations at MSDC's office building.

Key Highlights:

Strengthening Vaccine Policy for Public Health
The Board unanimously approved a comprehensive update to the Society's immunization policy (see below), emphasizing universal access to CDC/ACIP-recommended vaccines. The new policy also supports equitable distribution, transparent reporting, and alignment with the American Academy of Pediatrics’ immunization schedule for children in schools and childcare settings. This move underscores MSDC’s dedication to evidence-based public health measures that reduce disparities and protect vulnerable populations.

440.012: Immunization Policy. MSDC affirms that immunizations are among the safest and most cost-effective public health interventions, preventing disease, disability, and death. MSDC supports universal access to CDC/ACIP-recommended vaccines without cost-sharing and through equitable, culturally responsive distribution across all populations. MSDC is committed to advancing evidence-based vaccine policy that protects all District residents and reduces health disparities, advocating for District regulations and public health funding that strengthen vaccine supply chains and enable transparent reporting of immunization coverage rates across the District. 

Pediatric Vaccines: MSDC supports the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommended immunization schedule as a requirement for all District children attending childcare or school, with exemptions only for specific medical contraindications.

Federal Policy Task Force Data
To better understand and respond to federal actions affecting DC healthcare, the Board expanded the Task Force’s responsibilities. It will now oversee an initiative to track the impact of federal policy changes on the DC healthcare landscape and use this feedback to craft its recommendations in 2026.

Collaboration with DC Health Benefit Exchange
Executive Director Mila Kofman presented updates on the Exchange and Healthy DC initiative, which will provide health coverage to individuals and families formerly covered by Medicaid.

The next MSDC Board meeting will be December 8.