Federal Officials Discuss Recommending Universal Flu Vaccination
The U.S. government within the next five years could begin recommending flu shots for all U.S. residents, some public health advocates said at the National Influenza Vaccine Summit, an annual meeting of manufacturers, distributors and providers sponsored by CDC and the American Medical Association, the AP/Las Vegas Sun reports.
Scott Harper of CDC, speaking at one of the meetings this week in Chicago, said the government panel in charge of vaccine policy has been discussing "universal immunization" as a way to boost vaccination rates. Participants at the summit, "many with a financial stake in getting more people vaccinated," said a universal vaccination initiative is likely in the next five years, the AP/Sun reports.
Herb Young of the American Academy of Family Physicians said, "I'm convinced that we will as a nation end up with" universal vaccination.
Ira Longini, an Emory University biostatistician who specializes in vaccine analysis, said such a plan would be difficult unless supply issues are resolved (Tanner, AP/Las Vegas Sun, 5/12).