The Hill News

Vaccines have eradicated smallpox globally and eliminated polio from the Western hemisphere.  In addition to saving lives, vaccines are a great investment of health care dollars: For every $1 spent on immunization, the U.S. saves $10.20.

Future progress against deadly diseases, however, may be in danger. The current vaccine approval system in the United States is stifling innovation, creating an environment of uncertainty for new immunizations and, more importantly, reducing the public health impact of vaccines.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) â€" run by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and comprised of 15 physicians, epidemiologists and public health officials â€" decides whether and how vaccines already determined to be safe and effective by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should be recommended for use in certain populations.  Unlike drugs, which are available to patients shortly after FDA lic! ensure, vaccines must go through a second hurdle:  The ACIP vote.  

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