At a Senate Finance Committee hearing last Thursday, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced bipartisan criticism over recent public health decisions, including firing CDC Director Susan Monarez and removing members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). In advance of the hearing, nearly all Democrats on the committee called or Kennedy’s resignation or for President Trump to fire him; however, Kennedy defended himself from criticism and claimed he was attempting to restore credibility to the agency.
In response to the hearing, Argentum released the following statement:
ARGENTUM PROMOTES CRITICAL ROLE OF ACCESS TO VACCINES FOR SENIORS
As Congress and federal agencies are focused on the availability of vaccines for all Americans, Argentum, the voice of America’s senior living communities, is highlighting the unique needs of vulnerable seniors related to access for vaccinations.
“COVID-19, flu and other vaccinations have been determined to be highly effective by the medical and scientific communities in preventing serious illness and deaths among all Americans but especially our nation’s seniors”, said Maggie Elehwany, Senior Vice President of Public Policy. “Argentum continues to discuss availability and affordability issues related to vaccinations with Congress and federal officials as well as opportunities to increase access for seniors to receive vaccinations if they so choose.”
Argentum played a leadership role during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure residents of senior living and long-term care communities received COVID-19 vaccinations on a priority basis and will continue to explore opportunities with Congress, the Department of Health and Human Services and other federal agencies to explore opportunities to increase access for seniors to COVID-19 and other vaccinations.