TEXAS MEDICAL ASSOCIATION HOUSE OF DELEGATES
Resolution 201 (A-06)
Subject: Flu Vaccine Distribution
Introduced by: Harris County Medical Society
Referred to: Reference Committee on Public Health
Whereas, Each year seems to pose greater challenges to patients seeking flu vaccine shots and physicians securing a supply of vaccine for their patients; and
Whereas, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has long-established guidelines on the priority vaccination of high-risk populations; and
Whereas, It appears that CDC guidelines generally are ignored in favor of public promotional events used as a marketing tool for the sponsor's business rather than a health care service; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Texas Medical Association, in cooperation with the American Medical Association and other national medical organizations, seek appropriate legislative and/or regulatory action that would be in further compliance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines in distribution of flu vaccine and the vaccination of high-risk populations; and be it further
RESOLVED, That an efficient and enforceable distribution system be devised so that physicians and other health care professionals who care for high-risk populations may receive priority each year in early shipments of the vaccine.
Relevant TMA Policy
135.012 Immunization Rates in Texas : The Texas Medical Association supports the following recommendations to address Texas' low immunization ranking and to ultimately improve the health of Texas children: (1) address immunizations as they relate to bioterrorism; (2) improve the state's current immunization tracking system, ImmTrac; (3) improve immunization education efforts for providers and parents; (4) address public and private vaccine financing issues; (5) increase physician education and participation in the Vaccine for Children program; (6) improve vaccine distribution under the Vaccine for Children program; (7) address vaccine supply shortages; and (8) conduct a study on the statewide purchase of vaccines, known as universal vaccine purchase, as well as on other vaccine delivery alternatives to increase immunization rates (CPH Rep. 1-I-02).
TMA House of Delegates: TexMed 2006
Last Updated On
July 06, 2010
Originally Published On
March 23, 2010