CDC protects public health

The issue of vaccine safety is a serious concern and occupies front and foremost position in all commercial vaccine development. The uninformed letter published in the March 22 S-R is terrifying in its content. The CDC does not manufacture vaccines. It derives none of its budget from vaccine sales but does accept pharmaceutical funding to research into disease and vaccine efficacy. It also buys and distributes vaccines for indigent children through the Vaccines for Children program. That said, with reductions in federal research funding, adequate financial support for these activities cannot arise from thin air. The CDC is federally mandated to concern itself solely with the promotion of and protection of our nation’s health. Absolutely, the organization should be devoid of conflicts of interest in its promotion of safe and effective vaccines to protect the public health.

An overwhelming body of peer-reviewed scientific data exists regarding the safety of the polio vaccine. We have witnessed nearly complete eradication of that disease except in third-world nations where there is conflict ongoing. The MMR vaccine has received similar extensive international investigation over its safety for decades and has seen almost complete eradication of measles where the public has achieved herd immunity.

Unfortunately, a political agenda promoted by anti-vaxxers seeks to put the public at risk. Online videos and testimonials are not science, are not subject to careful analysis and promote a weird and dangerous belief system which has and continues to place the public at risk.

Bruce E. Becker

Spokane