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U.S.
Senator Member of the Agriculture, Energy and Veterans Affairs
Committees |
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For Immediate
Release November 8, 2005 |
CONTACT: Cody Wertz – Press Secretary 202-228-3630 Jen Clanahan – Deputy Press Secretary 303-455-7600 |
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| Sen. Salazar Urges State to Investigate Flu Vaccine Distribution Problems WASHINGTON, D.C. – The winter flu season has already started in Colorado and there are still problems with distribution of the vaccine in many areas of the state, especially rural ones. Senator Salazar has heard from several flu vaccination providers throughout Colorado who are worried doses will not arrive in time to vaccinate high-risk individuals before flu season hits full bore. Senator Salazar has requested the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) conduct an investigation into these local reports. “These reports are of concern to me because many Coloradans, including those living in rural communities, rely on these, and only these, small providers for the vaccinations,” Senator Salazar wrote. Since mid-October, Sen. Salazar’s office has been contacted by officials and health care providers in at least eight counties - Baca, Bent, Chaffee, Custer, Huerfano, Lake, Las Animas and Pueblo – expressing concerns about the distribution of influenza vaccines. The providers reported that many of the small purchaser/providers had not yet received their vaccine doses despite the fact that larger purchaser/providers had. In addition, media reports last month found a 6,000 vaccine shortage in Larimer County with the Poudre Valley Health System. Senator Salazar also noted in his letter that flu vaccine distribution is a joint federal-state partnership and offered the assistance of the federal government in the investigation of these distribution problems. According to CDPHE, during the 2004-2005 flu season, Colorado reported a total of 980 influenza-associated hospitalizations. Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) expect 97 million flu vaccine doses to be distributed during the 2005-06 flu season. A copy of Senator Salazar’s letter to CDPHE Executive Director Benevento is attached to this release. # # # |
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