News
May 1, 2009
harkin introduces flu prevention legislation
Measure would provide free vaccines for all Americans as Harkin works to secure additional funding in the supplemental spending bill
WASHINGTON D.C. – Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today introduced legislation to prevent future flu outbreaks in response to the current H1N1 flu outbreak. The Seasonal Influenza and Pandemic Preparation Act of 2009 would establish a nationwide voluntary influenza vaccination program under which any individual may receive an annual influenza vaccine, free of charge.
“The harsh reality is that we have repeatedly experienced devastating flu pandemics. Strictly as a matter of prudent prevention, it is desirable to maximize the number of Americans who are vaccinated each year. And by offering the vaccinations for free and making them conveniently available, we would remove major barriers to more widespread participation,” said Harkin.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of more than 40,000 Americans die each year from flu-related causes. Seasonal flu is responsible for more than 31 million outpatient visits and more than 3 million days in the hospital. Seasonal flu costs the U.S. economy nearly $90 billion annually, including $10 billion in medical costs.
The Seasonal Influenza and Pandemic Preparation Act will help to build up our vaccine-manufacturing capacity and prevent production capacity from becoming idle or underutilized. By offering annual free vaccines to all 304 million people in the United States, our vaccine-production capacity will be up and running and ready to shift, when necessary, to mass production of vaccines to fight a future outbreak or pandemic.
The Act was introduced as a stand-alone bill, but Harkin intends to incorporate it into the Prevention and Public Health title of the comprehensive health reform legislation.
“A program offering annual free flu shots to every American is exactly the kind of smart, cost-effective, prevention-focused public health that must be at the center of a reformed health care system,” Harkin continued.
As chairman of the Appropriations subcommittee that funds health programs, Harkin has taken the lead in providing funding to prepare for a future flu pandemic. Since Fiscal Year 2006, the subcommittee has provided more than $6 billion for these activities. President Obama has requested $1.5 billion to respond to the current influenza and Harkin is working to include funding in the supplemental spending bill currently moving through Congress that will continue to invest in vaccine development, the stockpiling of antivirals and other medical equipment and local and public health preparedness.
