Lawmakers introduce ‘vaccines save lives’ resolution

More than 90 members of Congress from both parties introduced a resolution on Friday affirming that vaccines save lives, amid a measles outbreak that has sparked a national debate. 

{mosads}The resolution “affirms vaccines and immunizations save lives and are essential to maintain the public health, economic and national security of the people of the United States.”

It was introduced by Reps. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Charlie Dent (R-Pa.), Thomas Marino (R-Pa.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.). 

A measles outbreak has risen to 121 cases in 17 states, centered on Disneyland in California. The majority of people affected have not been vaccinated, according to the CDC. 

“Vaccinations save lives,” Dent said in a statement. “It is unconscionable that children are being put at risk because of decisions based on faulty information and untruths.”

The resolution pushes back against fears that vaccines could be harmful. It “recognizes that the lack of vaccination can cause a true public health crisis, and that there is no credible evidence to show that vaccines cause life-threatening or disabling diseases in healthy children or adults.”

The vaccination debate entered into the early stages of the presidential race earlier this month when New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) and Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) sparked an outcry by suggesting that parents should have some choice over whether to vaccinate their children. 

A bipartisan group of senators also sought to make clear that vaccines are safe at a Senate health committee hearing on Tuesday. 

“Too many parents are turning away from sound science,” said Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.). “Sound science is this: Vaccines save lives.”