Reps. Maloney, Smith Reintroduce Bill on Vaccine Safety

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Rep. Chris Smith
(R-NJ) reintroduced legislation on vaccine safety (H.R. 2618) that
would improve the current system for vaccine safety monitoring in this
country.

Currently, the CDC has responsibility for both vaccine safety and promotion, which is an inherent conflict of interest increasingly garnering public criticism. The Vaccines Safety and Public Confidence Assurance Act would give responsibility for the nation’s vaccine safety to an independent agency within the Department of Health and Human Services.

“Vaccines have made a tremendous positive impact on public health,” said Maloney, “but when the government requires them, it must also ensure they are safe. We need adequate, unbiased research on vaccines, and this legislation would deliver that.”

Specifically, the Vaccine Safety and Public Confidence Assurance Act would create and equip an independent office to address, investigate, and head off potential vaccine safety problems – like the use of mercury in vaccines – in an objective and non-conflicted office whose sole purpose is vaccine safety and evaluation.  Additionally, it provides $80 million in funding to conduct vaccine safety research and analysis.

To view H.R. 2618, click here,.

Background: Rep. Maloney was an original cosponsor of the Vaccine Safety and Public Confidence Assurance Act when it was proposed by Rep. Dave Weldon (R-FL) in the 110th Congress (H.R. 1973). Upon his retirement from the House of Representatives, Rep. Maloney reintroduced the legislation.