IDSA Fighting Flu on Several Fronts

IDSA is working with Congress and the administration on policy approaches to strengthen influenza preparedness and response.   

IDSA sent a letter of support to Health and Human Services Secretary Azar in support of the administration’s Executive Order, “Modernizing Influenza Vaccines in the United States to Promote National Security and Public Health.” The EO emphasizes several of IDSA’s influenza priorities including research to improve current vaccine technology and efficacy and to advance the long-term goal of a universal influenza vaccine. IDSA encouraged the administration to couple increased investments in influenza with deeper investments in antimicrobial resistance since secondary bacterial infections contribute significantly to hospitalizations and deaths associated with influenza. The IDSA-led Stakeholder Forum on Antimicrobial Resistance also sent a letter echoing the need for AMR funding in conjunction with new influenza resources to demonstrate the breadth of groups concerned about the AMR complications related to influenza.

IDSA staff participated in a hearing held by the House of Representative’s Energy and Commerce Committee on Dec. 4 to address U.S. preparedness and response for both seasonal and pandemic influenza by briefing committee staff in advance of the hearing on IDSA’s priorities, including improving influenza vaccine production, efficacy and uptake.