Federal Officials Launch New Vaccine Strategy

The National Vaccine Program Office has developed a 43-page vaccine plan, the first since 1994, that outlines goals for improving the nation’s vaccine system by addressing research and development, supply, financing, distribution, safety, global cooperation and decisionmaking among consumers and healthcare providers. The plan, which incorporates input from public health officials and medical experts, officials from different levels of government, and the public, also lists 10 implementation priorities that include items such as prioritizing domestic and global vaccine targets, strengthening the scientific base for developing and licensing newflu vaccines, and enhancing the vaccine safety system. The final implementation plan will be completed by the end of 2011.