SEN COLLINS WORKING TO PREVENT FUTURE FLU VACCINE SHORTAGES

WASHINGTON, DC – Citing last year's loss of nearly half the nation's expected flu vaccine supply, Senator Susan Collins has joined colleagues in urging Senator Appropriators to include adequate funding to support programs in the FY 2006 Appropriations bill that will help prevent future flu vaccine shortages and prepare the nation for the possibility of an influenza pandemic.

"Our nation's vulnerable population depends on flu vaccine to remain healthy during the regular flu season, and strengthening our flu vaccine supply is critical to their well being. Further, an influenza epidemic could be truly devastating if we are not prepared with vaccine stockpiles and effective distribution procedures," Senator Collins said. "This is an important public health issue which deserves adequate funding."

Following last year's flu vaccine shortage, Senator Collins and Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) urged the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to consider a CDC "clearinghouse" to allow providers to quickly and effectively report their needs for the vaccine or their excess inventory to make the best use of the available supply of flu vaccines and to increase the country's inventory of the vaccine.

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