Officials To Review U.S. Health-Threat Response Systems

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The Washington Post: "Citing the balky swine flu vaccination campaign and other shortcomings in the nation's medical defenses, a top Obama administration official has announced a major review of the government's efforts to develop new protections against pandemics, bioterrorism and other health threats." The impetus for the review came "in part because the H1N1 vaccine shortage had highlighted the nation's dependence on antiquated technology." Sebelius said she anticipates the review to be complete by "early next year" (Stein, 12/1).

Reuters: "The goal [of the review], Sebelius said, will be streamlined regulations that will speed the approval of new technologies that are promoted through government contracts with private companies." According to Sebelius, "Dr. Nicki Lurie, assistant secretary for preparedness and response, would review the department's countermeasures, which include vaccine development and contracts, drug development and stockpiling of supplies such as medical masks and ventilators" (Fox, 12/1).

This information was reprinted from kaiserhealthnews.org with kind permission from the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives and sign up for email delivery at kaiserhealthnews.org.

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