In 1986, the Vaccine Injury Act gave vaccine manufacturers legal immunity in the event their products caused harm. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that less than 10 percent of adverse reactions are reported, yet taxpayers have already covered over $4 billion in vaccine injuries. With a forecast of $100 billion dollars in projected vaccine sales by 2025, and no fear of liability, it is reasonable to assume vaccine manufacturers will produce potentially unnecessary and unsafe vaccines.

In the 30 years since the Vaccine Injury Act, the number of vaccine doses required to achieve CDC compliance has already tripled from 24 doses of seven vaccines in 1983 to 69 doses of 15 vaccines today. In 2013, the Institute of Medicine reported the federally recommended child vaccine schedule has not been fully scientifically evaluated to determine if the schedule is or is not associated with the brain and immune system disorders prevalent among children today.

Today, there are even more childhood vaccines awaiting approval. Knowing this, I cannot support legislation that would both increase the proliferation of vaccines while also removing any philosophical and/or religious exemptions in Maine. I support continued informed consent and the protection of every parent’s right to make informed decisions.

Erica Blanchard
Yarmouth