Bob's Blog
Fresh Foods at Farmers' Markets in York
On Friday, January 15, I joined York’s mayor, Kim Bracey, at the Market & Penn Street Farmers’ Market to announce that York City will receive $779,200 in federal funding for the city’s two farmers’ markets. The money will be used for restoration purposes at both the Farmers’ Market and the Central Market located at Beaver and Philadelphia Streets. During my visit, I met many vendors who stressed the important role the market plays in providing fresh, affordable and in-season, locally grown produce. I even had time to pick up some ham, apples and a sandwich for lunch. I’m proud to support this type of vital economic development project; it helps to make available healthy and nutritious foods, and I feel it will have a positive impact on the community.
Taking the lead in Vaccinations
With many Americans concerned about a potential Swine Flu pandemic, I am pleased to announce that MedImmune, the company responsible for filling the vaccines for the entire state of Pennsylvania, has been awarded a $90 million contract to develop a vaccine that targets the H1N1 virus. This innovative vaccine differs from traditional vaccines; it comes in the form of a nasal spray as rather than an injection. This is similar to MedImunne's FluMist product which is a nasal flu vaccine for children younger than five years old, which has proven to be extremely effective.
This is good news for Pennsylvania and the United States. Although the Swine Flu epidemic does not appear to be as serious as was originally feared, there is still risk associated with this virus. The relationship that MedImmune has with the US Department of Health and Human Services, and the state of Pennsylvania, is an important step in ensuring that we are prepared to deal with future flu-related concerns. As a member of the Labor, Health, Education, and Pensions committee, I recently participated in a hearing on H1N1 and will continue to monitor the pandemic carefully.
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