Rising concerns, mostly non-science based, about the safety of immunization are threatening the gains we have made in childhood immunization. This is a global problem, not just a problem for the United States. Myths arising in other countries, such as MMR purportedly causing autism in the United Kingdom, have impact on attitudes and practices in the United States. By the same token, issues arising in this country, such as the notion that thimerosal in vaccines causes autism, affect what happens in the rest of the world. Unfortunately, the loudest voices and most visible faces addressing immunization are often those attacking the safety of specific vaccines or those generally opposed to immunizations rather than those who support vaccines' benefits.
Many of those in the immunization field feel there is a need for independent, credible, science-based advocacy to prominently reflect the broad base of support for immunization among Americans. People For Immunization intends to provide voices and faces to meet that need.
The CDC's People For Immunization (PFI) will provide science-based, accessible, and clear information about the benefits and risks of vaccines and vaccine-preventable diseases to the public, health professionals, political leaders, and their organizations. It will represent the millions of people who support immunizations by speaking with one strong voice about the value of immunizations. PFI seeks to become the "go to" source for credible, science-based information on issues relating to vaccines, vaccine-preventable diseases, and immunization. PFI will advocate strongly to improve the appalling low adult vaccination rates in the United States. PFI will translate policy for the public....in other words, the CDC will position itself to eliminate all opposition to vaccinations and push for even more.
People For Immunization will have a large Scientific Advisory Board comprising recognized authorities in the field. To ensure its credibility as an independent voice, it will accept no funding from the vaccine industry or the federal government. It will seek to enlist the millions of Americans who support immunization and give them a voice in the national discussion about benefits and risks of immunization.....and yet, the list of Founding Members receive funding from vaccine industry. Paul Offit, MD holds a vaccine patent.
People For Immunization will provide a science base for statements regarding issues raised about vaccine safety and effectiveness. It will seek to organize and participate in congressional briefings and provide testimony at state and national levels as well as providing rapid and effective communication via several media.....they will have the time and money to snuff out any information opposing vaccines.
People For Immunization is currently administratively housed in The Task Force for Child Survival and Development, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity incorporated in Georgia. During its formative period, Dr. Alan Hinman is serving as project leader. A Steering Committee is guiding formation of PFI and will be replaced by an Executive Board once the organization is up and running. Future plans for the location and administration of PFI will be determined by PFI's Executive Board.
If you would like to be a member of People For Immunization (there are no membership fees) please contact Dr. Hinman. To make a tax-deductible contribution to support PFI's work, please contact Dr. Hinman or send your contribution to The Task Force for Child Survival and Development, 750 Commerce Drive, Suite 400, Decatur, GA 30030.
Checks should be made out to the Task Force for Child Survival and Development (or TFCSD) and marked "for PFI."...they are wanting money from parents to do their work of continuing to vaccinate your kids...mandatorily. Watch for attempts to eliminate all forms of exemptions.