Like so many others in the life science industry, Healthcare Industry of New Jersey CEO Chrissy Buteas was taken aback by President Donald Trump’s executive order on vaccines he signed on Monday.
Trump is working to change the federal government’s approach toward childhood vaccines.
It’s an executive order that there’s no legal reason to believe he has the authority to make or implement — and no scientific reason to believe it makes sense.
Buteas is angry about it.
“Any changes to childhood vaccine recommendations should be guided by the best available scientific evidence, rigorous research, and the health and well-being of children,” she said. “Parents and healthcare providers deserve clear, consistent, and evidence-based information so they can make informed decisions about protecting their children.”
The executive order was not welcome or wanted in the life science community.
Debbie Hart, the CEO of BioNJ, voiced her organization’s displeasure, too. She pointed to problems that already are presenting themselves due to a change of vaccine behavior.
“Measles cases have reached a 35-year high in the United States,” she said. “As one of the most contagious infectious diseases, this is an alarming trend — and this trend isn’t limited just to measles.
“Fortunately, we live at a time when the best tool ever devised to combat measles is readily available across the country: Vaccines. As a result, BioNJ is deeply concerned that the President’s recent Executive Order recommending a change to the standard of care will result in even greater disease burden and worse Patient outcomes — particularly among the most vulnerable populations.”
Buteas said her members deserve to be praised for their centuries of work, not challenged on it.
“Vaccines remain one of humanity’s most critical defenses against deadly viral and bacterial infections, protecting generations of children and families from diseases that once devastated communities around the world,” she said. “New Jersey’s life sciences have been at the forefront of that effort for nearly 150 years, helping discover and develop vaccines that continue to save countless lives.
“HINJ and New Jersey’s life sciences will continue working with patients, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and other stakeholders to advance access to life-saving vaccines and ensure that the benefits of medical innovation continue to protect children and communities.”
Hart agreed.
“Biomedical scientists and clinicians have rigorously and repeatedly examined whether there is any link between vaccination and autism, with dozens of studies involving millions of people conducted over several decades,” she said. “And the evidence is clear: There is no reliable scientific evidence demonstrating such a link.
“Given that the President specifically cited autism rates as part of the rationale for this Executive Order during the signing, we urge the broader biomedical community to remain focused on what is best for patients, guided by the highest standards of scientific evidence. The evidence overwhelmingly supports the safety and efficacy of vaccines.
“BioNJ strongly advocates for continued support of vaccination.”
