Bill Overview
Title: Protecting America from Seasonal and Pandemic Influenza Act of 2022
Description: This bill establishes new, and expands existing, programs and activities to prevent and respond to seasonal and pandemic influenza (flu). In particular, the bill addresses flu vaccine development, manufacturing, and supply chains; genomic sequencing, diagnostic tools, and other technologies to detect, prevent, and respond to flu; and public health communications and related efforts to increase flu vaccination rates and access to antiviral medications. The bill also sets out a process through which Congress may adjust discretionary spending limits to accommodate additional funding for health defense operations (e.g., flu-related activities).
Sponsors: Rep. Larsen, Rick [D-WA-2]
Target Audience
Population: People susceptible to influenza globally
Estimated Size: 332000000
- Influenza affects a large portion of the global population each year, with varying severity depending on the strain and the population's immune responses.
- Pandemic influenza can have a more significant impact due to the potential for widespread illness, as observed during the 1918 flu pandemic and more recently with H1N1 in 2009.
- Improved vaccine development can lead to more people being vaccinated, reducing the spread and impact of the flu.
- Enhanced manufacturing and supply chains ensure more widespread availability of vaccines and treatments, which can affect people globally as these measures may be shared internationally.
- Genomic sequencing and better diagnostic tools enable quicker and more accurate detection, allowing for faster response to flu outbreaks, which can help to contain the spread globally.
- Public health communication is crucial in educating populations worldwide, potentially improving global vaccination rates and combating misinformation.
Reasoning
- The policy targets a large section of the population, focusing on preventing and responding to influenza which affects millions in the U.S. annually.
- While the bill focuses on flu, indirect benefits may extend to other aspects of public health through improved infrastructure and heightened health awareness.
- There is a broad spectrum of impact depending on the individual's current health status, occupation, geographical location, and access to healthcare.
- Budget constraints limit the scale and speed of implementation, meaning not everyone will see immediate changes.
- Some people may experience improved wellbeing due to increased vaccine availability, whereas others not directly affected by the flu might not notice any impact.
Simulated Interviews
Nurse (New York, NY)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy seems like a crucial step in preparing our healthcare system for future flu outbreaks.
- I believe it will enhance flu awareness and encourage more people to get vaccinated.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Software Developer (Houston, TX)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't think it will impact me directly since I rarely get sick.
- It's always good to have better vaccine developments, though.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Teacher (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 36 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope the improved vaccines will reduce flu spread in schools.
- It's important to keep both teachers and students healthy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Retired (Miami, FL)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As someone in the higher risk group, I welcome more effective vaccines and treatment options.
- Anything that helps prevent flu complications is beneficial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Warehouse Worker (Chicago, IL)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It sounds good that vaccines might become more accessible and affordable.
- Healthcare is a major concern, and anything that helps is appreciated.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
College Student (Seattle, WA)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If it means free or affordable flu shots on campus, that's a plus.
- I'm generally healthy but it's nice to know preventive measures are improving.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Small Business Owner (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 50 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm not too keen on vaccines, but understanding flu impacts is important.
- Improving medical infrastructure is always beneficial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Healthcare Administrator (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could streamline logistics and resource allocation during flu season.
- It seems like a positive move for healthcare management.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Retired Nurse (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 70 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a retired nurse, I see the need for better flu vaccines and treatments, especially for older folks.
- Hopefully, this brings more awareness to flu prevention.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Scientist (Boston, MA)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's imperative to have policies focusing on flu prevention and treatment.
- Advancements in vaccine technology are critical for controlling outbreaks.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1500000000 (Low: $1200000000, High: $1800000000)
Year 2: $1450000000 (Low: $1150000000, High: $1750000000)
Year 3: $1400000000 (Low: $1100000000, High: $1700000000)
Year 5: $1300000000 (Low: $1000000000, High: $1600000000)
Year 10: $1150000000 (Low: $900000000, High: $1400000000)
Year 100: $800000000 (Low: $600000000, High: $1000000000)
Key Considerations
- Potential for cost fluctuations based on severity of flu seasons and emergence of new strains.
- Strategic partnership with private sector entities to share costs and leverage expertise.
- Flexibility in budget allocations for discretionary spending targeted toward health defense operations.