 
February 18, 2000
The Honorable Dan Burton Dear Mr. Burton: In previous correspondence, we have raised concerns about the CDC's methodology for assessing adverse vaccine reactions. The response to our FOIA request on rotavirus vaccine certainly vindicates our concerns. Improper statistical treatment of the time interval between vaccine administration and the occurrence of an adverse event may result in dismissing potentially serious though uncommon reactions. Quotations from exchanges we found especially revealing are enclosed, along with copies of key pages. Secretary Shalala's designee did finally answer some of our queries. Notably, the CDC admits that some studies are still ongoing. In other words, children are being subjected to mandatory vaccines while safety studies are admittedly incomplete. The CDC letter and our follow-up are posted at www.aapsonline.org, and a printout is enclosed. We reiterate our plea for a thorough congressional investigation of the process for "recommending" (and thus, in effect, mandating) mass immunizations. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely yours,
Jane M. Orient, M.D.
|