On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) extended liability protections for coronavirus vaccines and other countermeasures under the PREP Act (Public Readiness Act of 2020) to 2029, citing “credible information.” It has been extended until December 31st. Risk of future public health emergencies. ”
Secretary Xavier Becerra justified the move by stressing the need to “develop and stockpile” vaccines and treatments. The directive strengthens long-standing legal immunity for pharmaceutical companies despite increased scrutiny of vaccine-related risks.
New Coronavirus and the PREP Act
Although the official state of emergency due to COVID-19 ended on May 11, 2023, HHS still ranks it as a “credible risk of a future public health emergency” (PHE). This designation is subject to uncertainty about what the “future'' will hold. I'll bring it. Despite the current number of coronavirus infections remaining low and the availability of effective coronavirus treatments such as ivermectin, manufacturers, distributors, and healthcare professionals are uncertain whether the current crisis You can enjoy an additional five years of legal immunity because of the possibility that: I'll wake up.
This extension is justified under the PREP Act, which, as explained in Becerra's public notice, protects key companies in the medical supply chain from legal claims during national emergencies by providing “federal and state protection.” The aim is to maintain an appropriate balance between These protections cover activities related to the manufacture, distribution, administration, and use of “nationally and globally targeted measures.”
COVID-19 countermeasures, as defined in the notification, include vaccines, antivirals, biologics, medical devices, diagnostic tests, respiratory protection, and other products that prevent, treat, or diagnose the harm caused by the novel coronavirus and its variants. , or any product or technology designed to limit or restrict .
The PREP Act updates will go into effect on January 1, 2025 and include the following important updates:
Extension of liability exemption
As mentioned above, exemptions for medical measures related to COVID-19, including vaccines, will be extended for five years. This measure provides long-term protection for manufacturers, distributors, health care providers, and government officials involved in developing and administering coronavirus vaccines. Essentially, anyone who had anything to do with getting vaccines from factories to weapons would be protected from lawsuits — unless, of course, they engaged in elusive and difficult-to-prove “willful misconduct.” is.
Expanding the role of healthcare providers
Another worrying update is the expanded authority of certified pharmacists, pharmacy interns, and pharmacy technicians to administer vaccines to a wider age group, a move that traditionally would have taken doctors, pediatricians, and certified nurses. This meant that I was able to take on the responsibilities that I had been carrying. Under the new rules, these pharmacy staff can now administer pediatric vaccines to children as young as 3 years old and COVID-19 vaccines to individuals 3 years of age and older.
Additionally, seasonal influenza vaccines can now be administered to adults 19 years and older by pharmacy interns and qualified technicians, a role that was once limited to highly qualified health care workers. I did. HHS calls for this change, arguing that pharmacists are in a position to provide continued access to vaccines and testing, especially in so-called “underserved areas” where access to health care providers is limited. I'm defending it.
While the move may increase access to vaccines, it would effectively lower the bar on medical standards and outsource the work of highly trained medical professionals to pharmacy staff with less clinical experience. The reliance on pharmacists and interns to fill gaps in health insurance reflects a broader shift toward less expensive health care, prioritizing convenience over professional medical supervision.
Addition of seasonal influenza vaccine
Liability protection for seasonal influenza vaccines has also been reiterated to address the potential for dual outbreaks of influenza and the coronavirus. The measure is ostensibly aimed at protecting medical capacity during peak periods of illness.
Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP)
Although legal immunity remains in place, Becerra highlighted the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP) as a means for individuals to seek compensation for vaccine-related injuries. Under the PREP Act, claims for damages related to coronavirus relief efforts will be managed through this burdensome and highly inefficient taxpayer-funded program, rather than through traditional litigation.
The CICP has faced increasing criticism for inefficiency, lack of transparency, and inadequate support for claimants. Critics highlight significant delays. The House of Commons Select Subcommittee's report on the coronavirus pandemic said the scheme offers “more than the right to apply and lose”, adding that the current backlog of claims could take “10 years to resolve”. He warned that it could happen in the near future.
According to the latest update, CICP has provided compensation for a total of 18 injuries caused by COVID-19 vaccines.
COVID vaccine
COVID-19 vaccines were initially hailed as important tools to curb the spread of the virus, and billions of doses have been administered around the world. Official statements eventually shifted to the direction that vaccination reduced the severity of infection in many people, but the vaccine's ability to prevent infection remains largely unknown, as evidenced by the need for multiple booster shots. had no effect. Additionally, some studies have shown that COVID-19 vaccination has negative effects, increasing the likelihood of infection. The apparent ineffectiveness of the vaccine raises questions about its value and the need for continued immunization campaigns.
The shot developed at “warp speed” has also come under intense scrutiny for serious health risks. As discussed extensively in a recent special issue of New American magazine, vaccines can cause severe side effects such as death, myocarditis and pericarditis, blood clotting, neurodegenerative damage, and harm reproductive health. Evidence shows that it can have negative effects.
Despite these concerns, the amendments underscore the government's commitment to maintaining public access to these ineffective and unsafe vaccines.
next leadership
Incoming Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his nonprofit organization Children's Health Defense (CHD) have been vocal critics of COVID-19 vaccines and the liability shield given to manufacturers.
Kennedy's appointment is expected to spur much-needed reforms to federal oversight, public trust and industry accountability. Additionally, if approved, Kennedy would have the power to amend or revoke the declarations of his predecessors.
By contrast, President-elect Donald Trump continues to champion the coronavirus vaccine as one of his administration's defining successes. In a September interview, he cited the accomplishments of Operation Warp Speed, which sped up vaccine development and distribution, saying they had “saved hundreds of millions of lives around the world” and that “no president has ever It was the most amazing thing I've ever done.”
