HR 2617 is currently being reviewed by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Although its status in Congress has not changed since the creation of this blog, the Mercury-Free Vaccines Act of 2009 may influence a controversial issue in the news today. The CDC reports that while thimerosal has currently been removed from most other vaccines, most of the influenza vaccines this year still contain thimerosal. Although the CDC cites that some of the influenza vaccines do not contain thimerosal, the shortage of these vaccinations as cases of H1N1 and the flu flood the country have parents scrambling to get their children vaccinated, any form of the vaccination available. Parents may be unaware that the vaccines they are getting for their children contain any amount of thimerosal and may not even be aware of its possible neurotoxic effects in children, even in small doses. Although studies have not proven these effects, the risk is still present. If it is possible to take mercury out of these vaccines, then it should be done. The passage of this legislation could require the removal of thimerosal from the influenza vaccines, or at bare minimum, require that parents know of its presence prior to vaccine administration.
More information about thimerosal in 2009-2010 influenza vaccines can be found on the CDC's webpage: http://www.cdc.gov/Flu/about/qa/thimerosal.htm
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Contacted Key Stakeholders
Leading American vaccine manufacturers, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, and Sanofi Pasteur, were contacted. These companies still produce the vaccines that contain thimerosal like some of the influenza vaccines as well as vaccines that are thimerosal-free. As a mass producer of vaccines, it is beneficial for these companies to be informed that a bill supporting the banning of thimerosal in vaccines is in the House of Representatives. Vaccine manufacturers are key stakeholders because this legislation directly affects the preservatives they can or cannot use in the production of vaccines. These companies will need to plan vaccine production accordingly in the event that this legislation passes.
The organization Autism Speaks was contacted because it is one of the largest organizations concerning autism in the United States. Autism Speaks was founded by Bob and Suzanne Wright, who were the grandparents of an autistic child. This organization seeks to increase awareness about autism and supports research about the causes, prevention, and treatment of autism.
Mr. and Mrs. Capaccio were contacted because they have two children. Their oldest child is autistic. They chose to get their oldest child vaccinated and chose not to vaccine their second child due to the belief that the vaccine had something to do with their first child developing autism. They are key stakeholders because this legislation directly affects their lives.
Mrs. Patricia Arleo, a special-education teacher for the Essex County Commission in New Jersey, was contacted because of her knowledge of children and autism and role as a health activist. She has been working in special-education for twenty-five years and has taught many students who suffer from autism. In teaching these children, Mrs. Arleo directly sees what a child with autism and his or her family goes through each day. Mrs. Arleo also sees reluctance of parents to get their children vaccinated due to media influences and knowledge of autism's onset. She is a key stakeholder because this legislation has the potential to decrease vaccinated children's risk of autism and encourage more of the children in her urban classroom to be vaccinated.
The American Academy of Pediatrics was contacted because they are supporter of thimerosal- free vaccines. They are a key stakeholder because they are a trusted resource for the public concerning children's health.
Mr. and Mrs. Capaccio were contacted because they have two children. Their oldest child is autistic. They chose to get their oldest child vaccinated and chose not to vaccine their second child due to the belief that the vaccine had something to do with their first child developing autism. They are key stakeholders because this legislation directly affects their lives.
Mrs. Patricia Arleo, a special-education teacher for the Essex County Commission in New Jersey, was contacted because of her knowledge of children and autism and role as a health activist. She has been working in special-education for twenty-five years and has taught many students who suffer from autism. In teaching these children, Mrs. Arleo directly sees what a child with autism and his or her family goes through each day. Mrs. Arleo also sees reluctance of parents to get their children vaccinated due to media influences and knowledge of autism's onset. She is a key stakeholder because this legislation has the potential to decrease vaccinated children's risk of autism and encourage more of the children in her urban classroom to be vaccinated.
The American Academy of Pediatrics was contacted because they are supporter of thimerosal- free vaccines. They are a key stakeholder because they are a trusted resource for the public concerning children's health.
Representative Carolyn Maloney was contacted because she is the sponsor of the Mercury-Free Vaccines Act of 2009. Rep. Carolyn Maloney has also been a major supporter of legislation related to the protection and enhancement of women's rights. Rep. Carolyn Maloney was contacted through her website email engine.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Petition
Please visit http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/Hgfree to sign this blog's petition to support House Bill 2617: Mercury-Free Vaccines Act of 2009!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Key Stakeholders and Legislators
Key Stakeholders
-American Academy of Pediatrics
-Advisory Commission on Immunization Practices
-Vaccine manufacturers (GlaxoSmithKline)
-Department of Health and Human Services
-Consumers of vaccines
-Nurses and Health Care Providers
Legislators
-Rep. Carolyn Maloney and co-sponsors
-American Academy of Pediatrics
-Advisory Commission on Immunization Practices
-Vaccine manufacturers (GlaxoSmithKline)
-Department of Health and Human Services
-Consumers of vaccines
-Nurses and Health Care Providers
Legislators
-Rep. Carolyn Maloney and co-sponsors
Position and Political Action Plan
Position
The members of this blog support the passage of the Mercury-Free Vaccines Act of 2009 (HR 2617). We personally feel that this bill will increase public support for recommended immunizations and decrease fear associated with the presence of mercury in vaccines. This decreased fear has the potential to increase the number of individuals who receive recommended vaccines. As student nurses we recognize the importance of immunizations as an aspect of preventive health. According to the CDC's annual National Immunization Survey (NIS), the percentage of U.S. children 19 to 35 months of age who have received the recommended series of childhood vaccines was 76.1 percent in 2008 (cdc.gov). This would support the Healthy People 2010's goal to increase the number of children who receive recommended vaccinations to 80%. While the majority of vaccines contain little to no traces of thimerosal currently, we think it is important to pass a law to continue this practice. Vaccines such as the influenza vaccine may still contain traces of thimerosal, which may be especially concerning to populations such as pregnant women. We feel that passage of this bill would decrease these concerns.
Political Action Plan
1) Continue updating our blog with the most recent information and political activity related to HR 2617
2) Contact key stakeholders and legislators and invite them to view and participate in our blog
3) Advocate for further research to be done related to the presence of mercury in vaccines within our community
4) Create an online petition advocating for this bill
The members of this blog support the passage of the Mercury-Free Vaccines Act of 2009 (HR 2617). We personally feel that this bill will increase public support for recommended immunizations and decrease fear associated with the presence of mercury in vaccines. This decreased fear has the potential to increase the number of individuals who receive recommended vaccines. As student nurses we recognize the importance of immunizations as an aspect of preventive health. According to the CDC's annual National Immunization Survey (NIS), the percentage of U.S. children 19 to 35 months of age who have received the recommended series of childhood vaccines was 76.1 percent in 2008 (cdc.gov). This would support the Healthy People 2010's goal to increase the number of children who receive recommended vaccinations to 80%. While the majority of vaccines contain little to no traces of thimerosal currently, we think it is important to pass a law to continue this practice. Vaccines such as the influenza vaccine may still contain traces of thimerosal, which may be especially concerning to populations such as pregnant women. We feel that passage of this bill would decrease these concerns.
Political Action Plan
1) Continue updating our blog with the most recent information and political activity related to HR 2617
2) Contact key stakeholders and legislators and invite them to view and participate in our blog
3) Advocate for further research to be done related to the presence of mercury in vaccines within our community
4) Create an online petition advocating for this bill
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Scholarly Evidence to Support Proposed Change
Various articles and studies from scholarly journals have cited evidence suggesting that vaccines containing mercury have the potential to cause significant health concerns, especially for children. Notable articles are listed below:
Wakefield, A.J., et al (1998). Ileal-lymphoid-nodular hyperplasia, non-specific colitis, and pervasive developmental disorder in children. The Lancet Volume 351, 637-641.
Wakefield, A.J., et al (1998). Ileal-lymphoid-nodular hyperplasia, non-specific colitis, and pervasive developmental disorder in children. The Lancet Volume 351, 637-641.
This study proposed the interaction between the different viruses contained in the MMR (Mumps/Measles/Rubella) vaccine, could have a negative impact on the child’s immune system and lead to possible brain damage and autism. This study was later disproven due to small sample size and no definitive link between autism and the MMR vaccine, by not before the public latched on to the idea that the MMR vaccine caused or was linked to autism spectrum disorder. Thimerosal is a preservative used in the MMR vaccine.
Cave, S.F. (2008). The history of vaccinations in the light of the autism epidemic. Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine 14(6), 54-7.
This article gives an overview of past and recent research findings. Specific evidence is cited about California's decrease in the number of children diagnosed with Autism initially after thimerosal was removed from vaccines.
Miller, L. & Reynolds, J. (2009). Autism and Vaccination—The Current Evidence. Journal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing 14(3), 166-172.
This article summarizes evidence found in various studies concerning the relationship between Autism and different vaccinations. Noted is the possible relationship between Thimerosal and Autism, as well as the CDC's actions in reducing Thimerosal content in vaccinations.
Pinchichero, Michael, et. al. (2009). Mercury Levels in Premature and Low Birth Weight Newborn Infants After Receipt of Thimerosal-Containing Vaccines. The Journal of Pediatrics 5(4), 495-499.
This article reasoned that the blood half-life of intramuscular ethyl mercury from thimerosal in vaccines given to premature infants is substantially shorter than that of oral methyl mercury in adults. Because of the differing pharmacokinetics, exposure guidelines based on oral methyl mercury in adults may not be accurate for children who receive thimerosal- containing vaccines.
Pless, Robert, and John F. Risher. (2000). Mercury, Infant Neurodevelopment, and Vaccination. The Journal of Pediatrics 136(5), 571-573.
This article examines the concern for the relationship between Neurodevelopment of infants and vaccinations containing thimerosal. Its findings from other studies indicate a need for further study in this area to determine thimerosal's true effects.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Potential Impact of Policy Change
Passage of the Mercury-Free Vaccines Act of 2009 has the potential to greatly impact the nursing profession, the clients they serve, and the health care system as a whole. Read on to find out more!
Nursing: Nurses are often in the unique position to provide information and advice to their clients regarding vaccines. Nurses play a key role in preventative health care, particularly as it relates to immunizations, and should therefore have a through understanding of the issues, concerns, and evidence related to vaccine safety. Passage of the Mercury-Free Vaccines Act of 2009 would affect nurses in the following ways:
*Nurses would need to be able to anwser/discuss questions their clients might have about the new vaccine(s) safety and effectiveness
*Nurses may need to discuss the reasons for thermisol removal
*Nurses may need to alleviate client fears or misconceptions about vaccine administration
*Passage of the bill may help nurses advocate for timely administration of all childhood vaccines to clients who previously were against thermisol-containing vaccines
Clients: There is a great deal of public concern regarding the presense of mercury in vaccines. This concern is so great that it has sometimes prevented parents from allowing their children to recieve the recommended vaccines. The passage of the Mercury-Free Vaccines Act of 2009 would affect clients in the following ways:
*Encourage clients to get the recommended vaccines, therefore reducing the chance of illness from a preventable disease
*Allieviate fears related to the presence of mercury in vaccines
Health Care System: The passage of the Mercury-Free Vaccines Act of 2009 would affect the health care system in the following ways:
*There may be an increase in demand for childhood recommended vaccines
*There may be a reduction in the occurance of diseases that have vaccines available for prevention
*May reduce the number of claims made to the CDC's National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program
Nursing: Nurses are often in the unique position to provide information and advice to their clients regarding vaccines. Nurses play a key role in preventative health care, particularly as it relates to immunizations, and should therefore have a through understanding of the issues, concerns, and evidence related to vaccine safety. Passage of the Mercury-Free Vaccines Act of 2009 would affect nurses in the following ways:
*Nurses would need to be able to anwser/discuss questions their clients might have about the new vaccine(s) safety and effectiveness
*Nurses may need to discuss the reasons for thermisol removal
*Nurses may need to alleviate client fears or misconceptions about vaccine administration
*Passage of the bill may help nurses advocate for timely administration of all childhood vaccines to clients who previously were against thermisol-containing vaccines
Clients: There is a great deal of public concern regarding the presense of mercury in vaccines. This concern is so great that it has sometimes prevented parents from allowing their children to recieve the recommended vaccines. The passage of the Mercury-Free Vaccines Act of 2009 would affect clients in the following ways:
*Encourage clients to get the recommended vaccines, therefore reducing the chance of illness from a preventable disease
*Allieviate fears related to the presence of mercury in vaccines
Health Care System: The passage of the Mercury-Free Vaccines Act of 2009 would affect the health care system in the following ways:
*There may be an increase in demand for childhood recommended vaccines
*There may be a reduction in the occurance of diseases that have vaccines available for prevention
*May reduce the number of claims made to the CDC's National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program
Governmental Objectives and Political Influences
Potential Government Objectives related to the Mercury-Free Vaccines Act of 2009 can be found in Healthy People 2010. Two of these objectives are as follows:
14-24a.
Increase the proportion of young children who receive all vaccines that have been recommended for universal administration for at least 5 years.
14-29a, b.
Increase the proportion of noninstitutionalized adults who are vaccinated annually against influenza and ever vaccinated against pneumococcal disease.
Healthy People 2010 states that "in 1998, 73 percent of children received all vaccines recommended for universal administration." Some parents are more hesitant to get their children vaccinated because they do not know the long-term adverse effects of thimerosal-containing vaccinations. There has been public concern in recent years due to the possible link between thimerosal-containing vaccines and autism.
Some key political influences include the Public Health Service, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the vaccine manufacturers. As stated in H.R. 2617, "In July 1999, the Public Health Service and the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a joint statement, which was later endorsed by the American Academy of Family Physicians, proclaiming: `[The] Public Health Service, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and vaccine manufacturers agree that thimerosal-containing vaccines should be removed as soon as possible."
14-24a.
Increase the proportion of young children who receive all vaccines that have been recommended for universal administration for at least 5 years.
14-29a, b.
Increase the proportion of noninstitutionalized adults who are vaccinated annually against influenza and ever vaccinated against pneumococcal disease.
Healthy People 2010 states that "in 1998, 73 percent of children received all vaccines recommended for universal administration." Some parents are more hesitant to get their children vaccinated because they do not know the long-term adverse effects of thimerosal-containing vaccinations. There has been public concern in recent years due to the possible link between thimerosal-containing vaccines and autism.
Some key political influences include the Public Health Service, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the vaccine manufacturers. As stated in H.R. 2617, "In July 1999, the Public Health Service and the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a joint statement, which was later endorsed by the American Academy of Family Physicians, proclaiming: `[The] Public Health Service, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and vaccine manufacturers agree that thimerosal-containing vaccines should be removed as soon as possible."
Monday, October 5, 2009
Potential Issues
Thimerosal is a preservitive agent used in some vaccines to prevent contamination of multidose vials. Thimerosal contains approximately 49% ethylmercury. Thimerosal does not alter the effectiveness of a vaccine and has been present within some vaccines since the 1930s. While some studies have shown that there are no concerning adverse effects related to the small amount of mercury present in these vaccines, public concern about the neurotoxic effects of mercury has encouraged some organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Advisory Commission on Immunization Practices, to recommend the reduction or complete removal of thimerosal from these vaccines. After 10 years of reducing mercury levels in routine childhood vaccines, thimerosal still remains in several non-routine childhood vaccines and many influenza vaccines. There is no law to prohibit the re-introduction of thimerosal into vaccines where it has previously been removed. Potential issues for this bill include financial feasability and availability. Is it possible to produce enough thimerosal-free vaccines before the effective date of July 1, 2009 in order to ensure children recieve their recommended immunizations on time? How will removing thimerosal from vaccines affect the consumer? Will more people recieve the recommended immunizations because of this added sense of security? Is removing thimerosal from vaccines finacially and chemically possible? Is removing thimerosal from vaccines even necessary?
Sponsors
Sponsor:
Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY 14th)
Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY 14th)
Rep. Carolyn Maloney is the first woman to represent NY's 14th congressional district. Elected in 1992, she has been re-elected eight times. Rep. Maloney is a senior member of the House of the Financial Services committee. She is a strong supporter of bills that address women's issues and was involved in passing "The Breastfeeding Promotion Act." She recently had her bill, H.R. 1700 pass to establish a National Women's
Co-sponsors:
Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-NY 5th)
Gary Ackerman is currently serving his 14th term in the House of Representatives. He is the Chairman of the House Subcomittee on the Middle East and South Asia, and he is a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Financial Services Committee. Throughout his career, Mr. Ackerman has championed a variety of significant legislation such as his Baby AIDS legislation and a ban on selling the meat of injured or diseased livestock.
Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI 1st)
Patrick Kennedy was elected in 1995 and is serving in his eighth term in Congress. Kennedy sits on the Appropriations Committee. The Appropriations Committee has control over all federal government's discretionary spending. Kennedy sits on several subcommittees on Health and Human Services and Education. Kennedy has been a cosponsor since the indtroduction of the HR bill 2617.
Rep. Dan Burton (D-IN 5th)
Rep. Dan is currently serving his fourteenth term in Congress. His positions include senior member and former chair of the Committee of Oversight and Governmental Reform and the Committee of Foreign Affairs. In past years,
Rep. John Olver (D-MA 1st)
Rep. John Olver has represented the 1st Congressional district of Massachusetts since June 1991. Rep. John Olver serves on the House Appropriations Committee. Top priorities, according to his official website, include protecting the environment, increasing worker rights and benefits, expanding access to affordable health care, and improving education
Rep. David Price (D-NC 4th)
Rep. David Price serves the 4th district of North Carolina which includes the
Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ 4th)
Rep. Chris Smith represents New Jersey
Introduction to Mercury-Free Vaccines Act of 2009
The Mercury-Free Vaccines Act of 2009 was introduced in the House of Representatives on May 21, 2009 by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY 14). This bill (HR 2617) amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Public Health Service Act. Passage of the bill would ban any recommended childhood and adolescent vaccine, specified in 2009 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, that contains one or more micrograms of mercury per one dose of vaccine. The bill would also prohibit the administration of mercury-containing influenza vaccines to any child under the age of three years and pregnant women by the effective date of July 1, 2009. The age requirement for children would increase to six years of age by July 1, 2010. The bill would enable the Secretary of Health and Human Services to suspend this requirement for a specified period of time if he/she declares a public health emergency. It requires the Secretary to revise vaccine information to include a statement that indicates the presence of mercury in a vaccine and information on the availability of any mercury-free or reduced alternative vaccines.
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