Public Health Officials Need Resources to Obtain Flu Vaccines
DeLauro: Public Health Officials Need Resources to Obtain Flu Vaccines
WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) yesterday wrote to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Julie Gerberding to request additional information on where public health officials can obtain flu vaccines for patients deemed high risk. DeLauro recently heard from several public health nurses in Connecticut who did not know how to obtain information on where to obtain vaccines.
The full text of the letter follows.
October 28, 2004
Dr. Julie L. Gerberding
Director
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
1600 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30333
Dear Dr. Gerberding:
I am writing to you about the flu vaccine shortage, and in particular, how health care providers can obtain doses of the vaccine for their high-priority patients. Recently, I have been approached by health care providers seeking direction on how to obtain the vaccine for their high priority patients. I know that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has been working to keep Congress informed, and has created a Flu Vaccine Finder system and other mechanisms since the loss of the Chiron flu vaccine supply, and I appreciate those efforts.
I understand that manufacturers have the right to protect proprietary information. However, we are in the midst of a public health emergency where we are rationing access to a critical vaccine, and we must do everything in our power to make the sure the vaccine is available to those who need it the most. I am worried that concerns regarding proprietary information are preventing public health officials and health care providers from receiving the information they need regarding flu vaccine distribution and availability. The providers I spoke with simply did not know where to turn for this information.
I would appreciate it if you could provide me with assistance on where health care providers in my district can obtain information regarding distribution of the flu vaccine, and on how the CDC has determined where supplies of the vaccine will be sent. If legal concerns regarding proprietary information are impeding local public health officials from obtaining the information they need in this crisis, I believe Congress needs to take quick legislative action. I hope you will provide me with your thoughts on that subject.
Thank you for your attention to this issue.
Sincerely,
Rosa L. DeLauro
Member of Congress