Bill Overview
Title: Natural Immunity Transparency Act
Description: This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to report within 30 days of the bill's enactment to Congress concerning natural immunity to COVID-19. In particular, the report must compare certain outcomes for individuals who recovered from a COVID-19 infection without having received the vaccination and individuals who received the vaccination.
Sponsors: Sen. Braun, Mike [R-IN]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 or have been vaccinated against it
Estimated Size: 100000000
- The bill focuses on natural immunity to COVID-19 and requires a report comparing those who have recovered from infection versus those who have been vaccinated.
- It targets all individuals who have had COVID-19, as it considers their immunity status.
- A significant number of individuals worldwide have recovered from COVID-19.
- The bill will indirectly impact policymakers and public health officials who rely on this information for decision-making.
- Around 780+ million people have been infected with COVID-19 globally as of the latest estimates.
Reasoning
- The bill specifically affects the population who have recovered from COVID-19 as it explores the implications of natural immunity.
- Given the number of COVID-19 cases in the US, a substantial population could be directly interested in the findings of this report, particularly because it could affect public health recommendations.
- The budget constraints emphasize efficient use of resources, primarily to compile and disseminate the report rather than to enact broad public health changes.
- The primary direct impact is informational, affecting public perception and policy discussions around vaccination and natural immunity.
- This simulation includes people who have had COVID-19, people vaccinated but not infected, and people with strong opinions on public health policies.
Simulated Interviews
Nurse (New York, NY)
Age: 54 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a nurse, I think the findings could help us understand immunity better and reassure those on the frontline about risks.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Software Engineer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Interesting to see how natural immunity compares, but as someone healthy and vaccinated, I doubt it will change much for me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Small Business Owner (Miami, FL)
Age: 47 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If this report shows strong natural immunity, it could validate choices I've made for my health.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
College Student (Austin, TX)
Age: 19 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As someone who's had COVID-19, I'm curious about the data, but it doesn't change college life much.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Retired Teacher (Burlington, VT)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I trust the vaccines, but this report could provide ease of mind for those still worried about natural exposure.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 8 |
Public Health Official (Chicago, IL)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could provide necessary data to guide future health policies, but I remain cautious about natural immunity claims.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Scientist (Seattle, WA)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The data from this bill would enhance our understanding of immunity landscape, crucial for accurate public messaging.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Influencer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think natural immunity should be recognized more widely, so this report might change people's views.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Retired Healthcare Worker (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 72 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm interested in comparisons, but mostly concerned about keeping people informed to stay safe.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Policy Advisor (Denver, CO)
Age: 36 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The outcomes of this report could significantly influence policy and health strategies moving forward.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $8000000)
Year 2: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The speed at which the report needs to be compiled is a key factor in the cost.
- Close coordination with healthcare data agencies and potential third-party researchers is necessary.
- The report has the potential to influence COVID-19 related health policy significantly.
- Accuracy and comprehensiveness are crucial to ensure the report's utility for policymakers.