A lot of folks have been saying that new Federal vaccines laws were coming.
Instead, we have just been seeing more and more cases of measles.
The VACCINES Act
Well, we might finally be getting a new Federal vaccine law, but it isn’t the kind of law that will force people to get vaccinated that anti-vaccine folks have been warning us about.
Instead, the Vaccine Awareness Campaign to Champion Immunization Nationally and Enhance Safety (VACCINES) Act, which was recently introduced by Representative Kim Schrier (D-Wash.) will simply help to increase public awareness of the safety and effectiveness of vaccines.
“Vaccines were one of the greatest medical accomplishments of the 20th century and have been proven safe and effective at preventing diseases that once killed or greatly harmed people around the world.
As a pediatrician, I understand that parents want to do what they think is best for their children and some do not vaccinate because of unfounded fears. We are now seeing outbreaks of diseases like measles, which was considered eliminated 19 years ago, in part because of an anti-vaccine campaigns around the country. This bill will make sure that parents have access to facts about vaccines, so they can make an informed decision.”
Rep. Kim Schrier
The VACCINES Act will:
- provide for a national system for surveillance of vaccine rates
- authorize research on vaccine hesitancy
- increase public understanding of the benefits of immunizations
While I’m pretty sure the CDC could already do all of these things already without a new law, hopefully it will provide the extra funding and resources to actually get it done.
Tell your U.S. representative to consider co-sponsoring the VACCINES Act and help get this bill passed.
More on the VACCINES Act
- New Vaccine Bills and Laws in 2019
- How Is California’s New Vaccine Law Working?
- A Legislative Guide to Advocating for Stronger Vaccine Laws
- The VACCINES Act (HR 2862)
- Rep. Schrier Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Increase Immunizations, Prevent Future Outbreaks
- Joint Statement Supporting the VACCINES Act
Last Updated on June 2, 2024
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