Pelosi to Hastert: Congress Should Not Receive Preferential Treatment on Flu Shots

Pelosi to Hastert: Congress Should Not Receive Preferential Treatment on Flu Shots

Washington, D.C.-House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi today sent a letter to Speaker Dennis Hastert urging him to make certain that there is a system in place so that in case of any future shortages of the flu vaccine, Members of Congress and their staffs do not receive preferential treatment.

"We need to make certain that there is a system in place so that in case of any future shortages, Members and staff who do not need the shots do not get them-just like Americans all over the country," Pelosi wrote. "I look forward to receiving your earliest reply."

Below is the full text of the letter:

October 21, 2004

The Honorable J. Dennis Hastert
Speaker
U.S. House of Representatives
H-232 U.S. Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Mr. Speaker:

For the third time in the last four years, Americans face a critical shortage of influenza vaccine. As you know, the current shortage of flue vaccine is forcing seniors and parents with young children to wait in line for hours to receive their flu shots, and hundreds have been turned away because of the shortage.

Yesterday, the Capitol's attending physician, Dr. John Eisold, confirmed to my office that any surplus doses of flu vaccine would be provided to seniors and others at high risk of serious complications from the flu. I applaud his decision.

However, I am concerned that the attending physician's office was allowed to distribute the vaccine without regard for federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to begin with. This reflects poorly on the House of Representatives and should not have been allowed by your office.

As communities nationwide struggle to meet the need for flu vaccine, Members of Congress should not have been given special treatment. We must set an example for the nation and should follow the same federal criteria as the rest of the country.

We need to make certain that there is a system in place so that in case of any future shortages, Members and staff who do not need the shots do not get them-just like Americans all over the country. I look forward to receiving your earliest reply.

Sincerely,

Nancy Pelosi
Democratic Leader