Date: 2010-01-26
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Madam Speaker. I rise today in support of House Resolution 1003. a resolution entitled "Expressing support for the designation of January 10. 2010. through January 16. 2010. as National Influenza Vaccination Week." and which also expresses the sentiments of the House of Representatives that preventing the spread of influenza and other infectious diseases should be a priority of all American citizens. It is important that we recognize the important role that immunizations have in protecting Americans from influenza outbreaks. Seasonal influenza causes more than 200.000 hospitalizations and 36.000 deaths in the U.S. every year. and is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. It is important that we mitigate this great threat to our citizens and equip all Americans with the necessary preventative measures to effectively combat both the seasonal flu as well as the H1 N1 Influenza strain. The flu can be very disruptive to business and trade as well. The economic and financial costs of seasonal influenza in the United States can be devastating due to employee absence from work. the high cost associated with medical care and the draw down in the financial activity of persons infected with the flu. In addition. lost earnings due to illness and loss of life amounted to over $15 billion annually and the total economic burden of annual influenza epidemics amounts to over $80 billion. Again. it is important for us to alleviate this growing stress on our nations economic and financial systems by equipping our citizens with the necessary tools to fight the flu. Furthermore. both the seasonal flu and the H1 N1 Influenza strain can be disruptive to important American pastimes such as cultural events as well as sporting events. In the event of a highly contagious infectious outbreak it would be likely that large gatherings of people could be cancelled in order to prevent the unnecessary spread of disease. By informing American citizens of the benefits of influenza vaccines however. we can attempt to prohibit the influenza bug from spreading. In addition it is important that American citizens remain vigilant in the fight against the H1N1 Influenza strain. There are currently over 135 million doses of the H1N1 vaccine available to Americans. It is important that citizens weigh the costs and benefits of such a shot before receiving it. but it is important for citizens to remain informed. For the very young and the elderly it can be very helpful in preventing disease but may also prevent unnecessary death. That is why it is important for Americans to understand both the necessity and benefit that seasonal flu shots provide for its citizens. This is also the reason I ask for your support of this resolution. The increased awareness that would come from designating the week of January 10. 2010 through January 16. 2010 as "National Influenza Vaccination Week" would serve to provide American citizens with the important information needed to prevent a largerthannormal influenza outbreak as well as provide the necessary preventative measures to those who are at a higher risk for influenzarelated complications. I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage all Americans as well as those from my home town of Houston. Texas to get vaccinated against both the seasonal flu as well as the H1N1 Influenza strain. I would especially encourage people with underlying health conditions. pregnant women. children. young adults. caretakers of infants. and healthcare workers to get vaccinated in preparation for a possible third wave of H1 N1 flu. Officially establishing the week of January 10. 2010. through January 16. 2010 as "National Influenza Vaccination Week." would seek to improve the lives of our citizens as well as increase our citizens awareness of the importance of both seasonal as well as H1N1 Influenza vaccinations. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. I also ask my colleagues for their continued support in the fight against infectious and contagious diseases.