Bill Overview
Title: Apply the Science Act 2.0
Description: This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to seek to contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to study COVID-19 immunity, including the durability of immunity resulting from an infection, a vaccine, or both.
Sponsors: Sen. Braun, Mike [R-IN]
Target Audience
Population: People potentially impacted by COVID-19 immunity research
Estimated Size: 334000000
- The bill targets the study of COVID-19 immunity, which affects anyone with or at risk of COVID-19.
- The entire global population is a target as COVID-19 is a pandemic, affecting individuals worldwide.
- The study involves scientific research which may eventually impact public health policies globally.
- As the research is U.S.-centric, given the involvement of the Department of Health and Human Services and the National Academies, it primarily impacts U.S. citizens in the short term.
Reasoning
- The budget constraints mean that only a small portion of the target population will experience a direct impact in the early years. The study primarily informs policy changes, which can indirectly influence well-being over time.
- Self-reported well-being may vary based on a person's experience and perception of COVID-19, personal health risks, their trust in science and government, and potential benefits they see in such research.
- Common public health benefits, like improved knowledge leading to better vaccine deployment or treatment options, might initially impact individuals in high-risk groups or those directly involved in policy-making or healthcare.
Simulated Interviews
Healthcare worker (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see firsthand how little we know about immunity and long-term effects of COVID-19.
- This research is crucial as it could impact our protocols and safety measures.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Entrepreneur (Austin, TX)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Understanding immunity could help lift restrictions quicker.
- I'm concerned about the economic impact of prolonged uncertainty.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Research scientist (New York, NY)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This study will provide essential data for my work.
- Better understanding immunity patterns will refine our research.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 9 |
Teacher (Chicago, IL)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful this research will help us know when it’s safe to return fully to classrooms.
- The pandemic has affected students' learning and well-being significantly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Retired (Rural Ohio)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Understanding immunity could influence vaccine boosters and treatments available to me.
- Living in a rural area makes staying updated on health directives critical.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Software developer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 30 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This will influence how soon companies feel comfortable changing hybrid work models.
- It's important to understand community immunity levels.
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 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
College student (Boston, MA)
Age: 24 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm optimistic about the study’s findings informing public health practices and policies.
- The pandemic has altered my college experience and future career plans.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Hospitality worker (Miami, FL)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This will hopefully give the travel industry more confidence in moving forward.
- Understanding immunity can reduce fear in workplaces.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Public health official (Denver, CO)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This research is paramount for informed decision-making in public health strategies.
- It will help us optimize resource allocation and preparedness for future challenges.
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 | 10 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 9 |
Stay-at-home parent (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Knowing more about immunity will ease my mind about my kids’ safety at school.
- We're all looking for ways to return to normal safely.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $30000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $40000000)
Year 2: $32500000 (Low: $22500000, High: $45000000)
Year 3: $35000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $50000000)
Year 5: $37500000 (Low: $27500000, High: $52500000)
Year 10: $45000000 (Low: $35000000, High: $60000000)
Year 100: $75000000 (Low: $65000000, High: $90000000)
Key Considerations
- The duration and complexity of the research can influence variations in annual costs.
- Research findings could lead to significant public health policy changes, influencing national and global health strategies.
- Indirect impacts on public health could potentially have long-term economic benefits.