Washington, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) today sent a letter to the U.S. Capitol Attending Physician John F. Eisold, M.D., asking him to reconsider his decision to urge Members of Congress and their staff to receive flu shots. Van Hollen has not received a flu vaccine and has encouraged his staff to abide by the guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A copy of Van Hollen’s letter is attached.
October 20, 2004
John F. Eisold, M.D.
Attending Physician
United States House of Representatives
H-166 The Capitol
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Dr Eisold:
The news media is reporting that the Office of the Attending Physician is encouraging Members of Congress and congressional staff to get flu vaccines during this time when many Americans fear that they will not be able to get flu shots before the flu season arrives. If this is true, I believe that this decision is wrong. Members of Congress should set an example for the American people in following the guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
I don’t believe that frequent contact with the public should make Members of Congress or their staff exceptions to the CDC guidelines. There are people in a variety of positions -- cashiers, airport employees, and teachers, to name a few – whose contact with the public subjects them to far greater exposure than do Members of Congress.
I urge you to reconsider your decision and to make any surplus stocks of flu vaccine available to high-risk individuals who need them the most.
Sincerely,