Middletown Press: Senator Looks Into Delay Of H1N1 Flu Vaccines

News Article

Senator Looks Into Delay Of H1N1 Flu Vaccines - Middletown Press

Sen.Chris Dodd, D-Conn., sent a letter Tuesday to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Sec. Kathleen Sebelius inquiring into the delay in the production and distribution of H1N1 vaccinations.

Recently, two Connecticut schools -- Keigwin Middle School in Middletown and Guilford High School in Guilford -- closed for the day due to an influenza outbreak. Approximately 40 percent of the student body at each school was absent. While Guilford High School reopened Wednesday, Keigwin Middle School and St. John School, also in Middletown, remained closed for the week. Schools in the Burlington-Harwinton district (Regional District 10) were also closed for the week.

"School closings are disruptive and further highlight the need to ensure all individuals at risk for illness or death due to H1N1 receive timely vaccinations," Dodd said. "I would like to better understand what is causing the manufacturing and distribution problems occurring in Connecticut and in other parts of the country."

"I know we share the belief that having a reliable supply of vaccine in times of a national emergency is critical for the public health and the public's peace of mind," Dodd added.

Dodd is a senior member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and Chairman of its Subcommittee on Children and Families.

Source