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June 14, 2002

U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"U.S. Seeks Ways to Encourage Vaccine Makers"

Reuters (www.reuters.com) (06/12/02); Fox, Maggie

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) deputy commissioner Lester Crawford told the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs that the agency would seek creative means to help avert future vaccine shortages.  He notes that the FDA would consult any drug company that wanted to enter the vaccine business.  National Immunization Program director Dr. Walter Orenstein agrees that broadening the pool of vaccine makers beyond the current number of four is a major need.  Financial incentives, easing the regulatory process, government involvement in supplying vaccines, bigger stockpiles, and lowering liability for vaccine makers are the five areas that the National Vaccine Advisory Committee and General Accounting Office will look into as possible solutions to the problem.

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