Drug Safety News

Flu Vaccine Preparedness Press Kit

Best Way to Protect Americans from Flu Is Produce Safe Vaccines

Ensuring that the American people are protected against a bio-terrorist attack or pandemic flu should be a top priority of our government – and the best way to protect Americans is to produce safe drugs.

But while the American public is not watching, some Members of Congress are trying to sneak in massive giveaways to big drug companies in the form of liability protections, even if they commit gross negligence and put dangerous and deadly drugs on the market.

Giving vaccine manufacturers special protections could make a pandemic outbreak worse because people will be less likely to get vaccinated if they know they cannot hold drug companies accountable.

Rep. David Weldon (R-FL), who is a medical doctor, recently warned a Congressional committee:

"If [Americans] know that, should they have a side effect, they have absolutely no recourse, I think it could undermine the ability of CDC to get the public to comply with the vaccine program."

The American Nurses Association agrees. In a letter to Congress about past experience with legal immunity for vaccine makers, the ANA wrote:

"Ultimately, fears about the side effects of the smallpox vaccine and the lack of a comprehensive compensation program discouraged RNs from participating in the program, which caused it to fall far short of its goal."

Eliminating the right of individuals to hold negligent drug companies accountable removes an important incentive for drug companies to make safe drugs. Some big drug companies have a track record of putting their bottom lines before the health and safety of the public. Limiting the rights of individuals to hold them accountable for distributing deadly drugs is dangerous.

Press Releases

Press Release: Hypocrisy of French Vaccine Maker Exposed (Dec. 15)

Newsletter: Vaccine Proposal Puts First Responders at Risk (Dec. 13)

Newsletter: Best Way to Protect Americans from the Flu is to Produce Safe Vaccines (Nov. 15)

Statement: Response To President Bush's Attack On The Civil Justice System This Morning (Nov. 1)

Background

Research: How One Vaccine Maker Almost Endangered Millions (Dec. 13)

On the Hill: Proposals Put Drug Company Profits Before Health and Safety (Nov. 8)

Research: Liability Concerns Are Not Affecting Vaccine Production (Nov. 3)