[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 140 (Tuesday, July 22, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 43361]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-18567]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Health Resources and Services Administration


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

AGENCY: Health Resources and Services Administration, HHS.

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).

DATES: The agency must receive nominations on or before August 21, 
2003.

ADDRESSES: All nominations are to be submitted to the Director, 
Division of Vaccine Injury Compensation, Office of Special Programs, 
HRSA, Parklawn Building, Room 16C-17, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, 
Maryland 20857.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Cheryl A. Lee, Principal Staff 
Liaison, Policy Analysis Branch, Division of Vaccine Injury 
Compensation, at (301) 443-2124 or e-mail:[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the authorities that established the 
ACCV, 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. 
The activities of the ACCV include: Recommending changes in the Vaccine 
Injury Table at its own initiative or as the result of the filing of a 
petition; advising the Secretary in implementing section 2127 regarding 
the need for childhood vaccination products that result in fewer or no 
significant adverse reactions; surveying Federal, State, and local 
programs and activities related to gathering information on injuries 
associated with the administration of childhood vaccines, including the 
adverse reaction reporting requirements of section 2125(b); advising 
the Secretary on the methods of obtaining, compiling, publishing, and 
using credible data related to the frequency and severity of adverse 
reactions associated with childhood vaccines; and recommending to the 
Director of the National Vaccine Program that vaccine safety research 
be conducted on various vaccine injuries.
    The ACCV consists of nine voting members appointed by the Secretary 
as follows: Three health professionals, who are not employees of the 
United States Government and have expertise in the health care of 
children, the epidemiology, etiology and prevention of childhood 
diseases, and the adverse reactions associated with vaccines, at least 
two shall be pediatricians; three members from the general public, at 
least two shall be legal representatives (parents or guardians) of 
children who have suffered a vaccine-related injury or death; and three 
attorneys, 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 pediatrician 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 a 3-year 
term beginning January 1, 2004, and ending December 31, 2006.
    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 
consultancies, 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 disabled are 
adequately represented on advisory committees; and therefore, extends 
particular encouragement to nominations for appropriately qualified 
female, minority, or physically disabled candidates.

    Dated: July 10, 2003.
Elizabeth M. Duke,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 03-18567 Filed 7-21-03; 8:45 am]
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