Pallone Calls for Explanation of H1N1 Vaccine Distribution

December 8, 2009

Calls on federal agency to review vaccine distribution policies for large corporations

After learning of a repeat instance of preferential treatment in the distribution of H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine by large corporations that defied medical guidelines, U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. on Tuesday asked for an explanation by the Centers for Disease Control.
   
"This confirms my greatest fears that employees of influential corporations have received preferential treatment during this pandemic,” said Pallone, referring to reports that several Wall Street firms were given the H1N1 vaccine for their employees during a time of shortage. "The vaccines should be distributed according to medical priorities, not economic privilege. I took action when I learned of the involvement of Goldman Sachs in distributing H1N1 vaccine and now I′m taking action again. I urge the CDC to review its distribution procedures in preparation for the next public health emergency and to provide Congress with an explanation."
    
Pallone, the chairman of the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee, held a hearing on the vaccine manufacturing and distribution process in November after learning that Goldman Sachs and other influential corporations received doses of the vaccine at a time of scarce availability.
   
USA Today reported on Tuesday that some corporations received supplies of the vaccine that were then distributed to people not on the priority list. Pregnant women, young children, people with heart disease and others prone to serious complications due to medical conditions are considered high-risk by the CDCP.
 
Pallone responded by writing to the CDCP to ask for a full explanation of the regulatory agency′s distribution practices.