http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBUNUFRM0E.htmlWASHINGTON (AP) - Seeking to address complaints of preferential treatment, Republican congressional leaders said Friday that 3,000 doses of flu vaccine intended for lawmakers, aides and other Capitol employees would instead be given to Washington's municipal health department and hospitals.
The new shipment of vaccine this week, amid a nationwide shortage, surprised Capitol physician John Eisold, said John Feehrey, spokesman for Speaker J. Dennis Hastert.
The vaccine arrived as some politicians and members of the public complained that lawmakers were being moved to the head of the line, offered flu shots even if they are not in high-risk groups identified by federal officials. Eisold specifically encouraged members of Congress to get the shots, saying they are at an elevated risk of getting and spreading the flu, according to Eisold's spokesman.
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