The Honorable Daniel J. Flood, Chairman The officers of this grass-roots organization recall the kindness of their reception when they appeared before you on behalf of adequate appropriations for FDA just a few years ago. Now these officers are gravely concerned that the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare is planning an immunization program for children, the elderly and certain of the chronically ill with respect to a possible epidemic of the Russian Flu. When I attended recent hearings before Chairman Paul G. Rogers it was noted that reports on the tragic Swine Flu Immunization program were not yet available. Yet plans are underway for another immunization program for which the U.S. taxpayers will be at least partially liable. It is now admitted that all immunizations carry the risk of Guillan Barre paralysis the risks being greater for the elderly. When certain virologists and physicians honestly believe vaccinations for flu are ineffective - it seems morally wrong to pursue such a course. The stealthy manner in which this Russian Flu Immunization program is to be carried out with tax money is amazing too. = Presently the Justice Department has many cases to prosecute against loyal citizens harmed by the Swine Flu Immunization fiasco. It is taxpayers against harmed citizens! The people in the FDA Bureau of Biologics who licensed the swine flu vaccine will also license the Russian Flu Vaccine. Our officers recall that in 1971-72 the Bureau of Biglogic Standards was transferred from NIH because of the substand Vaccines it licensed. Until the General Accounting Office submits its thorough report to the five Senators who requested a study of the problems of the unfortunate Swine Flu Immunization Program this group will not even consider being vaccinated with any Russian Flu Vaccine. We urge you to examine this Russian Flu Vaccine program before permitting tax money to be used in vaccinating trusting citizens. We make this request because our officers know of your deep concern for the efficiency and efficacy of medical treatments for the public. Enclosures Sincerely,, Kuth G. Desmond President Preventive Health Services Public Health Service Act, Sections 301, 311, 317, and 318 1/ The purpose of the Influenza Vaccination program is to assist States and localities in carrying out immunization programs against influenza. This program is designed to reduce morbidity and mortality among persons who are particularly vulnerable to the serious complications of influenza because of advancing age or the presence of chronic illnesses. The proposal is based on the recommendations of the Conference on Influenza A/USSR/77 (H1N1), held on January 30, 1978, and was prepared after consultation with State and Territorial health officials and a variety of technical advisors. 1978 Budget Policy The 1978 supplemental is designed to increase influenza immunization levels of the high risk target group. Major aspects of the program are: 1. A project grant program administered by the Center for 1/ Sections 301 and 311 of the Public Health Service Act provide indefinite authority for the $4.1 million direct Federal program; section 318 permits funds appropriated to be used by the Secretary for grants to support programs authorized by section 317. 2. 3. 4. Vaccine will be made available in the same manner as under the childhood immunization program; Increased immunization coverage among high risk persons Establishment of an influenza immunization capability Target groups for vaccination continue to be comprised of those persons at greatest risk of dying from influenza. While prevention of disease per se is worthwhile and possibly cost beneficial, it is considered that the influenza vaccine production and distribution system cannot respond to such a program, nor would the general public find it valuable at this time. The high risk target groups which will receive first attention are: 1. 2. 3. Persons age 6 months through 24 years who have under- Persons age 25 through 64 years who have underlying Persons age 65 and over with or without known chronic Actions taken this year are planned as part of a long-range strategy for increasing the number of persons vaccinated annually. The decision in favor of a phased program reflects the particular circumstances of the reappearance of H1N1 influenza viruses. While the severity of influenza A/USSR/77 cannot be predicted with certainty, the reappearance of this type of influenza virus after an absence of only 20 years is a cause for considerable concern. Reasonable goals for vaccination coverage of high risk groups must take into account a variety of factors, including that, with few exceptions, there are few public influenza programs in place at the present time. Prior to 1976, an average of only about 20 percent of high risk persons received influenza vaccine in any given year, virtually all through the private medical sector. Public programs supported by this supplemental can reasonably match this effort in 1978. It is unlikely that this goal can be exceeded during the first year of federallyassisted State efforts without establishing crash programs and without sacrificing other essential activities, notably childhood immunizations. It is assumed that enough vaccine to raise vaccination coverage of high risk groups to at least 40 percent can be produced, and that a decision by the Federal Government to assist States in establishing programs in 1978 will create adequate market forces to prompt this level of production by the pharmaceutical industry. In the future, when annual immunization programs are well established, the proportion of high risk persons who receive annual immunization can be increased to 60-70 percent. Grant assistance to States and communities will be directed toward the following target groups: 1/ Assumes Federal share of two-thirds of program costs. Grants will provide assistance to States and communities for the organization and conduct of public influenza immunization programs. These grant funds will be used for the purchase of vaccine, to assure accessibility of immunization services to the target population, for increased epidemiologic and laboratory surveillance of influenza disease and vaccine reactions, and for informational and educational efforts. The Center will provide national leadership and technical assistance and consultation to between 60 and 65 State and local health agencies in planning, establishing, and conducting influenza immunization programs directed toward the high risk population. Informational and educational activities aimed toward the target, the medically high risk population, and health providers in both the public and private sectors will be required. Trained volunteers to assist in influenza immunization programs will be provided. |