AdvaMed Statement on Participation in HHS Vaccine Consultation Panel

Whitaker: “Systemwide Collaboration” Between Medtech, Hospitals, Caregivers Key to Vaccine Success

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today AdvaMed President and CEO Scott Whitaker released the following statement about AdvaMed’s participation on the HHS Vaccine Consultation Panel.

“AdvaMed has been working with every level of government – as well as with partners in the association space, our members and industry colleagues, and key hospitals and health care systems – to support the COVID-19 vaccine mobilization effort. In that vein, we were pleased to have been a part of the HHS Vaccine Consultation Panel – a collection of stakeholder leaders that meets to share information, questions, concerns, needs, and best practices related to vaccine distribution and dissemination.

“Systemwide collaboration – like the collaboration the Panel embodies – has helped us maximize our preparedness and optimize our impact: Already, more than 10 million Americans have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine thanks to the quick work of medical technology manufacturers. After all, clinicians cannot administer vaccines without vaccination ancillary supply kits, and the majority of the kits’ components are manufactured by medtech companies: components like needles, syringes, alcohol pads, vaccination cards, and personal protective equipment for vaccinators. The medtech industry has already ramped up production of these technologies to unprecedented levels, and we won’t stop until all Americans can receive a vaccine.

“Still, it’s not just about production capacity; it’s about policy creativity, too. At AdvaMed, we’re advocating in support of initiatives that ensure equitable access to vaccination, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, insurance status, lack of connectivity (which impacts access to information and scheduling), or lack of proximity to a health care facility. Lawmakers should focus on re-tooling vaccine education in consideration of community-specific cultural norms, taking into account issues linked to vaccine hesitancy.

“We look forward to continuing this important work with the incoming administration and the new Congress. When it comes to public-private partnership, the stakes for success have never been higher. Widespread inoculation against COVID-19 is the key to reopening our economy, resuming delayed medical procedures, reducing the risks of illness at medtech manufacturing plants and other workplaces, and, bottom line, restoring our country back to health.”

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 AdvaMed member companies produce the medical devices, diagnostic products and health information systems that are transforming health care through earlier disease detection, less invasive procedures and more effective treatments. AdvaMed members range from the largest to the smallest medical technology innovators and companies. For more information, visit www.advamed.org.