Dr. Karen Midthun, director of FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, outlined the importance of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) National Vaccine Plan, in a

 on March 11, 2014. Midthun points out how crucial vaccines are in protecting public health and discusses FDA’s role in ensuring a stable supply of safe vaccines.

According to Midthun, the National Vaccine Plan plans on developing new vaccines, enhancing the vaccine safety system, supporting enhanced communication regarding vaccine decision-making, ensuring a stable supply of vaccines, and increasing global prevention of disease through vaccination. The National Vaccine Program Office recently issued the

, which details the government’s progress regarding the vaccine plan. Some of the accomplishments listed in the report include the establishment of a new generation of influenza vaccines, new production techniques, and advances in electronic health data. Other accomplishments include the establishment of Vaccines.gov and vaccine promotional materials.

The report states that the National Vaccine Plan will continue in the coming years with more research into new vaccines, extension of monitoring systems, and continued development of communication paths. The report can be found on the HHS website.