HHS Buys Vaccine Preparations For Potential Influenza Pandemic

HHS Buys Additional Vaccine As Preparations For Potential Influenza Pandemic Continue

HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today announced the purchase of additional vaccine that could be used in the event of a potential influenza pandemic.

The department has awarded a $62.5 million contract to Chiron Corporation to manufacture an avian influenza vaccine designed to protect against the H5N1 influenza virus strain, which has caused an epidemic of avian flu in Asia and has recently spread to Europe. The number of individuals who could be protected by the newly contracted vaccine is still to be determined by ongoing clinical studies.

“An influenza vaccine effective against the H5N1 virus is our best hope of protecting the American people from a virus for which they have no immunity,” Secretary Leavitt said. “This contract will increase our stockpile of the vaccine and is a continuation of our aggressive multi-pronged approach to a potentially critical public health challenge.”

This purchase builds on the department’s current plans to buy enough H5N1 influenza vaccine for 20 million people and enough influenza antivirals for another 20 million people. These supplies of vaccine and antiviral treatment will be placed in the nation’s Strategic National Stockpile where they will be available for use should an influenza pandemic occur. Last month, HHS awarded a $100 million contract to sanofi pasteur, the vaccines business of the sanofi-aventis Group, for avian flu vaccine.

Developing an effective avian influenza vaccine is a key element of a comprehensive U.S. approach to prepare for an influenza pandemic that includes improved vaccine production methods and stockpiling of antivirals.

Earlier this year, Secretary Leavitt established an HHS-wide Influenza Task Force to coordinate all HHS activities affecting the public health preparedness for seasonal influenza outbreaks and an influenza pandemic. Long-term objectives include an effective and efficient global surveillance network for outbreaks of influenza-like illness in humans and animals, and interoperable local, state, and federal government response plans for influenza outbreaks within the United States. The task force is also developing strategies to effectively coordinate with response partners, both public and private and insure timely communication with the public.

### FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Thursday, Oct. 27, 2005, Contact: HHS Press Office, (202) 690-6343

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President's Statement on Harriet Miers' Supreme Court Nomination Withdrawal

Harriet Miers: Letter to President File is in PDF Format

President's Statement on Harriet Miers' Supreme Court Nomination Withdrawal

Today, I have reluctantly accepted Harriet Miers' decision to withdraw her nomination to the Supreme Court of the United States.

I nominated Harriet Miers to the Supreme Court because of her extraordinary legal experience, her character, and her conservative judicial philosophy. Throughout her career, she has gained the respect and admiration of her fellow attorneys. She has earned a reputation for fairness and total integrity. She has been a leader and a pioneer in the American legal profession. She has worked in important positions in state and local government and in the bar. And for the last five years, she has served with distinction and honor in critical positions in the Executive Branch.

I understand and share her concern, however, about the current state of the Supreme Court confirmation process. It is clear that Senators would not be satisfied until they gained access to internal documents concerning advice provided during her tenure at the White House - disclosures that would undermine a President's ability to receive candid counsel. Harriet Miers' decision demonstrates her deep respect for this essential aspect of the Constitutional separation of powers - and confirms my deep respect and admiration for her.

I am grateful for Harriet Miers' friendship and devotion to our country. And I am honored that she will continue to serve our Nation as White House Counsel.

My responsibility to fill this vacancy remains. I will do so in a timely manner.

# # # Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, October 27, 2005

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