HHS revives long-defunct task force on safer childhood vaccines

The US Department of Health and Human Services has reinstated the Task Force on Safer Childhood Vaccines, a panel created by Congress to strengthen the safety, quality and oversight of vaccines given to American children. The original group was disbanded in 1998.

The task force will be chaired by National Institutes of Health director Jay Bhattacharya, with senior leaders from the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also serving. “By reinstating this Task Force, we are reaffirming our commitment to rigorous science, continuous improvement, and the trust of American families,” said Mr Bhattacharya.

Working with the Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines, the panel will focus on developing, refining and promoting vaccines that have fewer and less serious side effects than those now in use. It will also target improvements in manufacturing, distribution and safety monitoring. The first formal report to Congress is due in two years, followed by biennial updates.