Dear Friend, I am writing to update you on my efforts to address the current shortage of influenza (flu) vaccines.

I have joined as a cosponsor of H.R. 5243, the Influenza Vaccine Emergency Act. Introduced by Representative Peter DeFazio on October 7, 2004, this legislation amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for emergency distribution of the influenza vaccine and strengthen the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services to address a flu vaccine emergency.

You may be familiar with the hassles many high-risk individuals have to go through to get their vaccinations each flu season. If the Secretary's authority is not strengthened, future distribution difficulties might result in serious public health emergencies. Providing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with additional funds to purchase vaccines for distribution by the federal government is not enough. Without the added authority provided in this legislation, the Secretary and CDC would still be dependent on the delivery schedule of the manufacturers and distributors.

Please be assured that I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to address this important issue so that we might prevent future flu vaccine shortages.

Sincerely,

Dennis Moore
Member of Congress