Pallone for New Jersey

Pallone Questions Flu Vaccine Distribution

November 5, 2009

Pallone Questions Flu Vaccine Distribution

Wants Fair & Effective Immunization Process

Responding to news accounts about the distribution of the limited supply of the H1N1 flu vaccine to top Wall Street firms, U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. on Thursday announced that he will pursue an explanation of the distribution process at a congressional hearing. Pallone will hold a hearing of the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee on November 18th to get an accounting of the national effort to combat the H1N1 Swine Flu.

            "I am concerned that the distribution of the vaccine is resulting in favored treatment for the privileged," said Pallone. "We have a limited supply and it is important that we target the most vulnerable, including pregnant women and children."

            An estimated 35 million doses of the vaccine have already been distributed.

            There are approximately 42 million Americans in the high-risk populations. The global pandemic of the potentially-fatal flu has resulted in a national emergency and led to a concerted effort to produce and distribute the vaccine. With a limited supply of the newly-developed vaccine, health officials are targeting the high risk populations.

            "There is nothing privileged about the H1N1 Swine Flu, there should be nothing privileged about getting vaccinated," said Pallone. "The flu infects everyone the same way and causes the same illness, the only thing selective about the vaccines should be high risk populations get them first."

            Pallone wants to find out if the distribution process results in favored treatment for any groups or organizations, including the timetable for who gets the vaccine before others.

             "By definition, corporations with their own health clinics are more likely to employee the wealthy," said Pallone. "It is important that the vaccination process is effective and fair and that it is perceived that way by the public."

            The hearing by the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee is scheduled for November 18, 2009 in the US Capitol and will be examining the production and distribution of the H1N1 vaccine. Among those called to testify are the Centers for Disease Control, the Food and Drug Administration and the manufacturers of the licensed vaccines.