WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- Hill Democrats have urged congressional officials to donate any unused flu vaccine intended for lawmakers to the truly needy.
News that attending congressional physician, John Eisold, recommended that, despite the nationwide shortage, all members of Congress get a flu shot because they come into contact with babies and the public often, has raised concerns that lawmakers are receiving special treatment, bypassing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations that only children under 2 years old, the elderly and those with health problems receive shots.
House and Senate lawmakers, including Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., have requested remaining supplies of the influenza vaccine be distributed to local health departments.
Lawmakers, staff and reporters on Capitol Hill are able to receive free flu shots each year and while Einsold had made the recommendation all members receive vaccinations before the shortage came to light, his office has adopted the CDC guidelines.
However, the attending physician's office does not require proof of need for administering the vaccine.
While the request has been made, it remains unclear whether any supply is left as the office reportedly only received a portion of the vaccine it ordered this year.
