Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines; Request for Nominations for Voting Members

AGENCY:

Health Resources and Services Administration, HHS.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is requesting nominations to fill three vacancies on the Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines (ACCV). The ACCV was established by Title XXI of the Public Health Service Act (the Act), as enacted by Public Law (Pub. L.) 99-660 and as subsequently amended, and advises the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) on issues related to implementation of the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ms. Shelia Tibbs, Principal Staff Liaison, Policy Analysis Branch, Division of Vaccine Injury Compensation, at (301) 443-4036.

DATES:

Nominations are to be submitted by July 6, 2000.

ADDRESSES:

All nominations are to be submitted to the Director, Division of Vaccine Injury Compensation, Bureau of Health Professions, HRSA, Parklawn Building, Room 8A-46, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, Maryland 20857.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the authorities that established the ACCV, viz., the Federal Advisory Committee Act of October 6, 1972 (Pub. L. 92-463) and section 2119 of the Act, 42 U.S.C. 300aa-19, as added by Public Law 99-660 and amended, HRSA is requesting nominations for three voting members of the ACCV.

The ACCV advises the Secretary on the implementation of the VICP; on its own initiative or as the result of the filing of a petition, recommends changes in the Vaccine Injury Table; advises the Secretary in implementing the Secretary's responsibilities under section 2127 regarding the need for childhood vaccination products that result in fewer or no significant adverse reactions; surveys Federal, State, and local programs and activities relating to the gathering of information on injuries associated with the administration of childhood vaccines, including the adverse reaction reporting requirements of section 2125(b); advises the Secretary on means to obtain, compile, publish, and use credible data related to the frequency and severity of adverse reactions associated with childhood vaccines; and recommends to the Director, National Vaccine Program Office, research related to vaccine injuries which should be conducted to carry out the VICP.

The ACCV consists of nine voting members appointed by the Secretary as follows: three health professionals, of whom at least two are pediatricians, who are not employees of the United States, who have expertise in the health care of children, the epidemiology, etiology and prevention of childhood diseases, and the adverse reactions associated with vaccines; three members from the general public, of whom at least two are legal representatives (parents or guardians) of children who have suffered a vaccine-related injury or death; and three attorneys, of whom at least one shall be an attorney whose specialty includes representation of persons who have suffered a vaccine-related injury or death, and one shall be an attorney whose specialty includes representation of vaccine manufacturers. In addition, the Director of the National Institutes of Health, the Assistant Secretary for Health, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (or the designees of such officials) serve as nonvoting ex officio members.

Specifically, HRSA is requesting nominations for three voting members of the ACCV representing: (1) a health professional with special experience in childhood diseases; (2) an attorney whose specialty includes representation of a vaccine manufacturer and (3) a member from the general public. Nominees will be invited to serve 3-year terms beginning January 1, 2001, and ending December 31, 2003.

Interested persons may nominate one or more qualified persons for membership on the ACCV. Nominations shall state that the nominee is willing to serve as a member of the ACCV and appears to have no conflict of interest that would preclude the ACCV membership. Potential candidates will be asked to provide detailed information concerning such matters as financial holdings, consultancies, and research grants or contracts to permit evaluation of possible sources of conflicts of interest. A curriculum vitae or resume should be submitted with the nomination.

The Department of Health and Human Services has special interest in assuring that women, minority groups, and the physically handicapped are adequately represented on advisory committees and therefore extends particular encouragement to nominations for appropriately qualified female, minority, or physically handicapped candidates.