Gerlach’s Flu Shot Legislation Signed Into Law

Thanks to legislation sponsored by U.S. Representative Jim Gerlach, the public will have access to the newest four-strain flu vaccine for the 2013-2014 flu season.

H.R. 475 updates current federal law by adding vaccines that protect against four viral strains of seasonal influenza to the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program—a no-fault system for compensating injuries or death caused by vaccines—covers flu vaccines that only protect against up to three viral strains.

"This law will allow the public, especially the very young and our seniors, to have the best protection possible against seasonal flu and hopefully prevent expensive, flu-related hospitalizations," Gerlach said. "I appreciate the bipartisan cooperation from my colleagues in the House and Senate and applaud the President for swiftly enacting the legislation and working with lawmakers to protect the public against constantly evolving health threats."

Gerlach’s legislation is necessary because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved new vaccine to combat the four-strain flu virus last December.