Letter in Support of S. 375, the Flu Protection Act of 2005
March 10, 2005
The Honorable Evan Bayh
United States Senate
463 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator Bayh:
On behalf of the American Public Health Association (APHA), the largest and oldest organization of public health professionals in the country, representing members from over 50 public health occupations, I write in support of S. 375, the Flu Protection Act of 2005.
APHA has long supported measures to facilitate the increased access of children and adults, especially those that are uninsured and fall in high-risk categories, to the influenza vaccine and other measures to prevent the spread and complications of the virus, including antiviral medications. In the wake of a flu season during which a flu vaccine shortage was expected, and in a time of heightened risk of a flu pandemic, the Flu Protection Act of 2005 offers a comprehensive approach to ensure that Americans are protected from influenza. The legislation takes important steps to protect the public, including addressing the need for individuals to be cognizant of the importance of the vaccine and the groups most at risk for serious influenza-related complications. In addition, S. 375 includes measures to develop adult immunization programs to complement current programs directed at children, assure that the U.S. has a dependable vaccine supply and enable the public health system to effectively and efficiently respond to a pandemic situation.
The suspension of Chiron Corporation’s license to manufacture flu vaccine during the 2004-2005 season demonstrates the necessity for the U.S. to expand the number of vaccine suppliers upon which it relies to provide protection against influenza. Responding to the reality that two companies have left the market since 2000, the Flu Protection Act takes a new, innovative and necessary approach by including incentives for pharmaceutical companies to manufacture influenza vaccine and supply it to the United States through the establishment of two manufacturer tax credits, and a guarantee that flu vaccine suppliers will still be compensated in seasons in which vaccine supply exceeds demand.
In an era during which influenza pandemic is a growing threat, taking into consideration the current avian influenza outbreak, the Flu Protection Act of 2005 is responsive to these concerns and includes provisions to implement the National Pandemic Influenza Response and Preparedness Plan. The need for the United States to increase its preparedness by having the capacity to manufacture the vaccine in a matter of weeks, not months, is vital, and APHA is supportive of the provisions of the Act that would explore alternative methods to produce the vaccine.
Thank you for your attention to and leadership on this important public health issue. We look forward to working with you to move this legislation forward this year.
Sincerely,
Georges C. Benjamin, MD, FACP
Executive Director
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