Posted on 10/20/2008 11:38:35 AM PDT by BGHater
Sure, the economy is causing a crisis, but what about anthrax? How about smallpox?
In a little noticed move, federal officials this month have declared a series of public health emergencies relating to potential weapons of biological terror.
On Oct. 1, Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt declared an anthrax public health emergency. On Oct. 10, he declared health emergencies for smallpox, radiation sickness from the detonation of a nuclear device and poisoning from botulinum toxins, the active ingredient of Botox.
There’s no clear evidence that terrorists have managed to weaponize anthrax or stolen large caches of Botox from cosmetic surgeons in Beverly Hills.
But by declaring these public health emergencies, HHS has granted manufacturers of anti-terrorism drugs and vaccines and others involved with the products protection from lawsuits if the drugs were to cause unfortunate side effects.
In the past, drug companies have shied from vaccine development because of low profit margins and legal risks. The actions of HHS are a necessary reassurance to persuade companies to make the drugs, and doctors and other providers to administer them, federal officials and some terrorism experts say.
But consumer advocates see it as a giveaway to the drug industry that strips the public of legal protections.
“It gives the manufacturers and other people involved a ‘get out of jail free’ card,” said Joan Claybrook, president of Washington-based Public Citizen.
“These are potentially dangerous products. There could be a bad vaccine, and suppose people relied on that?” Claybrook asked. “There is no deterrent if there’s no liability.”
The emergency declarations cover a host of antibiotics to fight anthrax infection, anthrax and smallpox vaccines, and a drug to stimulate white blood cell production in people harmed by radiation.
(Excerpt) Read more at kansascity.com ...
The economy of America - run by trial lawyers (who happen to be the #1 money contributors to the democrat party)
It's the "Two-Party Cartel". On the other side the drug companies work hand in hand with the government to scare ya into allowing us taxpayers to buy up these drugs for a phony scare that if ever happened would force you to get vaccinated. If not the drug is retired for the next time they need an infusion of your tax money, BAMO! The scare thing comes out again.
Wow.
No editorial bias here!
You are a keen observer.
Too bad most vaccine makers stopped making them here in the US. Thanks to all the ambulance chasing malpractice lawyers for driving innovation from US shores.
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