Press Releases

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) released following statement after introducing the Protecting Seniors Through Immunization Act of 2017 (H.R. 4297), which would help increase access to the Shingles vaccine for Seniors, with Congressman Gene Green (TX-29), Senator Shelley Moore Capito (WV) and Senator Mazie Hirono (HI):

“Shingles is a painful disease that affects nearly 1 million Americans annually, with one out of three Americans developing shingles during their lifetime. However, the risk of getting shingles is significantly higher for individuals who are 50 years of age and older. In fact, according to the CDC, the number of adults developing shingles is on the rise. The great news is that seniors can protect themselves from shingles simply by receiving a vaccine. The bad news is that too few seniors receive the vaccine or don’t even know that it’s an option,” said Dr. Bucshon. “The CDC recommends that individuals 60 years of age and older get the shingles vaccine. Currently, most adult immunizations are covered by private insurance. However, once a senior enrolls in Medicare, it does not fully cover their out-of-pocket cost for immunizations. The Protecting Seniors Through Immunization Act will make it easier for seniors to learn about and get the shingles vaccine, helping prevent needless suffering for millions of American seniors.”

H.R. 4297 Will ensure Medicare overs the shingles vaccine with no out of pocket costs.

With support from the following:

Alliance for Aging Research

American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN)

American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM)

American Pharmacists Association (APhA)

Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF)

Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO)

Dynavax

Every Child By Two (ECBT)

GSK

Hep B United

Hepatitis B Foundation

Immunization Action Coalition (IAC)

Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA)


Merck

National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS)

National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO)

National Council of Asian Pacific Islander Physicians (NCAPIP)

National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA)

National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable (NVHR)

Pfizer

Sanofi

Scientific Technologies Corporation (STC)

Takeda Vaccines, Inc.

The Gerontological Society of America (GSA)

Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. is a physician and Republican member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee serving his fourth term representing Indiana's 8th Congressional district. The 8th District of Indiana includes all or parts of Clay, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Martin, Owen, Parke, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, Vermillion, Vigo, and Warrick counties.

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