Emanuel Statement: Flu Vaccine Funds in Approps Bill Will Help Eliminate Vaccine Shortages

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Representative Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) released the following statement in support of the inclusion of flu vaccine provisions in the Omnibus Appropriations bill, expected to pass the House and Senate today.  The bill includes close to $100 million for improving flu vaccine production capacity, the development of vaccine production technology, and the purchase of vaccine by the federal government.  The language in the omnibus is similar to provisions in the Flu Protection Act, which Rep. Emanuel introduced in February.  This legislation, which currently has 29 bipartisan cosponsors, is the companion bill to Senator Evan Bayh’s bipartisan Senate legislation.

Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the Appropriations conferees for including in the conference report nearly $100 million to improve flu vaccine production capacity and technology, and, if necessary, to allow the government to purchase vaccine.

This allocation will help us make sure we don’t repeat the mistakes of this year.  This investment in flu vaccines means that the Congress learned a lesson from this year’s crisis and is taking steps so it doesn’t happen again.

This year’s shortage is resulting in long lines for the flu shot and widespread fear among the elderly and other vulnerable populations that they will be stricken with the flu virus.

As the sponsor of the Flu Protection Act, along with Senator Bayh in the other body, I also want to thank Congressman Shimkus and all of the 29 bipartisan cosponsors of the Flu Protection Act for their work on this issue.

We have our work cut out for us.  Next year, we need to implement all of the provisions of the Flu Protection Act, and ensure that we improve our ability to prevent an avoidable public health disaster.