[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 136 (Thursday, July 16, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38415-38416]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-18954]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Health Resources and Services Administration


Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines Request for Nominations 
for Voting Members

AGENCY: Health Resources and Services Administration, HHS.


[[Page 38416]]


ACTION: Notice.

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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. Melissa Palmer, Principal Staff 
Liaison, Policy and Commission Branch, Division of Vaccine Injury 
Compensation, at (301) 443-3196.

DATES: Nominations are to be submitted by August 17, 1998.

ADDRESSES: All nominations are to be submitted to the Director, 
Division of Vaccine Injury Compensation, Bureau of Health Professions, 
HRSA, Parklawn Building, Room 8A-35, 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 (P.L. 
92-463) and section 2119 of the Act, 42 U.S.C. 300aa-19, as added by 
P.L. 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 
and Surgeon General, 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 persons who have suffered a 
vaccine-related injury or death; and (3) a member from the general 
public who is a legal representative (parent or guardian) of a child 
(or children) who has suffered a vaccine-related injury or death. 
Nominees will be invited to serve 3-year terms beginning January 1, 
1999, and ending December 31, 2001.
    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.

    Dated: July 10, 1998.
Claude Earl Fox,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 98-18954 Filed 7-15-98; 8:45 am]
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