FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 26, 2005
Contact: Josh Freed
(202) 225-4431
 
 
 WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, will introduce an amendment during the markup of the Medicaid portion of budget reconciliation tomorrow to increase demand for flu vaccines by eliminating co-pays for Medicaid recipients. This would expand the domestic market for the flu vaccine, providing incentive for manufacturers to increase vaccine production in the United States and the ability to quickly ramp up production of an avian flu vaccine if that becomes necessary.

“Currently, the United States does not have the infrastructure to produce sufficient flu vaccines to protect the public against a pandemic flu. If avian flu does strike, we will not be able to rely on manufacturers in other countries, facing their own crises, to provide us with sufficient amounts of vaccine,” said Rep. DeGette. “Time is running out for us to build the capacity we will need here at home. Eliminating co-pays for flu vaccinations for Medicaid recipients will increase domestic demand and provide vaccine manufacturers with an expanded market during normal flu seasons. It will also put in place the capability we must have if we are to protect the public from a pandemic.”

###