The Senate approved a bipartisan resolution this month introduced by U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) that recognizes the value of vaccines and immunizations in protecting the health of Americans.
Sen. Blackburn joined lead sponsor U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and 17 other original cosponsors for the introduction of the Vaccines Save Lives resolution, S. Res. 165, on April 11, which was adopted by the Senate on the same day. The resolution states that vaccines and immunizations are essential to maintain public health and the economic and national security of the United States. It also recognizes that low vaccination rates can create an environment in which a public health crisis could emerge.
The resolution coincides with a measles outbreak in 22 states. With 626 cases of measles having been confirmed through April 19, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in the coming weeks the case numbers will likely reach the highest number seen since measles was eliminated in 2000.
“This is a dark reminder that we must do everything in our power to protect our young ones from dangerous, easily preventable diseases,” Sen. Blackburn said. “This bipartisan group is dedicated to informing parents across the country about the overwhelming medical evidence proving that immunization plays a critical role in raising strong, healthy children.”
The resolution seeks to reject unfounded theories about the dangers of vaccines and sends a unified message of congressional support for vaccinations, the senator’s office said. It urges parents who have consulted with their health care providers to vaccinate their children on a timely basis in order to protect them and their surrounding communities. The resolution also recognizes that outreach campaigns based on sound science about the safety of vaccines are important to inform the public properly.
The resolution is endorsed by members of the medical community, including the American Medical Association and Children’s Hospital Association, among others.