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Senators Seek Information on Universal Flu Vaccine Research

Press Release

By: Ed Markey
By: Ed Markey
Date: Jan. 17, 2019
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Health and Health Care

Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) was today joined by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Angus S. King Jr. (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) in asking the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) to provide an update on research initiatives to develop a universal flu vaccine. Last year, NIAID released its strategic plan to achieve a universal flu vaccine, which would meet the following criteria: (1) be at least 75 percent effective, (2) protect against multiple strains of the flu, (3) provide protection for at least one year, and (4) be appropriate for all age groups. He was able to secure $100 million for fiscal year 2018 and $140 million for fiscal year 2019.

"The sooner we can achieve a universal vaccine, the sooner we can reduce the relentless burden the flu places on American families each year," write the Senators in their letter to NIAID. "Congress is committed to helping NIAID actualize that plan and achieve our mutual goal of putting a universal flu vaccine on the market as soon as possible."


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