Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act

The Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act) added new powers to the federal government under the Public Health Service (PHS) Act, and provides immunity from liability for the use of covered medical countermeasures against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear agents of terrorism, epidemics, and pandemics. The PREP Act further conferred authority for establishing a program to compensate eligible individuals who suffer injuries from administration or use of products which are immunized against liability by the immunity provisions in the PREP Act.

At least two decisions have upheld immunity for the administration of vaccines, under the PREP Act.

Declaration

The Declaration is by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. It is published in the Federal Register, but is effective upon signature rather than upon publication.