Federal cutbacks lead to more than $33.7 million shortfall in Arkansas childhood vaccine funding, more

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Figures from the United States Department of Health and Human Services show Arkansas had more than $33.7 million cut from its Immunizations and Vaccines for Children federal grants.

The cuts took effect on March 24, when the Trump administration implemented grant terminations targeting COVID-19 funding. In the Immunizations and Vaccines for Children program, $33,744,831.56 was cut in Arkansas, according to HHS figures.

A spokesperson for the Arkansas Department of Health, which received the immunization and vaccine grants, stated that this funding cut is what led to the planned layoff of 30 staff members, announced in August and effective Nov.1, as well as department restructuring.

“Immunization services for Arkansans have not been affected,” ADH spokesperson Meg Mirivil said.

Cuts in other areas total more than $261.7 million, including funding for laboratory capacity for emerging infectious diseases, and work being done by the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, according to the HHS figures.

A study released Tuesday by KFF Health News showed that blue states that contested the March grant terminations had all or most of their grants restored. Red states that did not contest terminations, such as Arkansas, did not receive