health
HHS updates National Vaccine Plan
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Feb. 28, 2011
The Dept. of Health and Human Services has issued a revised National Vaccine Plan to ensure access to preventive immunizations for all Americans.
"This plan is a 10-year vision for the nation to more effectively prevent infectious diseases and reduce adverse reactions to vaccines," said Bruce Gellin, MD, MPH, director of the National Vaccine Program Office and HHS deputy assistant secretary.
The plan, issued Feb. 16, addresses a range of issues, including vaccine research and development, supply, financing and distribution. HHS urges health professionals to be well-informed about vaccines and share that information with patients (link).
Overall goals of the plan are to develop new and improved vaccines, enhance vaccine safety, facilitate informed decision-making, ensure stable supplies nationwide and increase vaccination globally. This is the first update to the plan since its 1994 release.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/02/28/hlbf0228.htm.
