The French National Debate on Vaccine Safety
In response to growing skepticism in France about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, the French Minister of Social Affairs and Health Marisol Touraine has called for a national debate this fall on the future of vaccination in that country. Touraine, who is concerned that there is greater suspicion and “even defiance” toward vaccines among the French people, seems…
CDC Advisory Committee Votes Against Universal Use of MenB Vaccines
The Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met on June 24 and voted against universal recommendations for MenB vaccines. These vaccines were recently approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for use in adolescents and young adults. Considerations used by the ACIP when making universal (Category A) recommendations for vaccines include disease incidence, and benefit…
Japan, U.S. Poles Apart on Harmful HPV Vaccine
Over the last few years, Japan has experienced a sharp decline in their fertility rate—one of the lowest rates in the world. Coupled with its low fertility rate is an aging population that continues to grow rapidly. For obvious economic reasons, it comes as no surprise that Japan’s government has expressed legitimate concerns over its declining population. In response to this predicament, in 2009, the government began offering monetary incentives to women that bear children…
The Plight of Infectious Diseases, Vaccines, Sanitation and Nutrition in Poor Nations
Launched in 2000, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s mission is to support initiatives that improve social, economic and health conditions on a global level. In recent years, the foundation has not only partnered with Monsato, a biotechnology corporation, to send genetically modified seeds to developing countries but also with Big Pharma. Bill Gates has dedicated $10 billion to provide vaccines to children in poor countries. Such efforts are labeled as humanitarian…