09-R355
2009 -- S 1068
Enacted 10/29/09
S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N
RESPECTFULLY
REQUESTING MERCK & CO., INC. TO IMMEDIATELY RESUME PRODUCTION OF THE
MONOVALENT VACCINES FOR MEASLES, MUMPS, AND RUBELLA
Introduced By: Senators Blais, Perry, and Miller
Date Introduced: October 29, 2009
WHEREAS, A vaccine is a
biological preparation designed to improve immunity to a
particular disease. Throughout the last two centuries, the
benefits of vaccinations in preventing
illness, disability, and death are well-documented and
indisputable; and
WHEREAS, Monovalent vaccines are formulated to immunize against a
single antigen or
single microorganism, while the MMR vaccine is a combined
live virus vaccine for vaccination
against measles (rubeola), mumps,
and rubella (German measles); and
WHEREAS, Merck & Co.,
Inc. has prioritized the production of the combined M-M-R II
vaccine and suspended production of the monovalent
vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella
for at least the next two years, rendering the monovalent vaccines unavailable for order or
distribution; and
WHEREAS, Over the past
decade, parental concerns over the possible correlation
between autism and administering the combined MMR vaccine
have arisen. Although research
has not found a relationship between the MMR vaccine and
autism, many parents still question
whether the experts are right, due in part to the fact that
the signs of autism tend to appear around
the time children receive the combined MMR vaccine; and
WHEREAS, In these specific situations, the use of monovalent
vaccines for measles,
mumps, and rubella is an alternative that allays parents’
uncertainties while still protecting their
children; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED,
That this Senate of the State of
hereby respectfully requests Merck & Co., Inc. to
immediately resume production of the
monovalent vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella; and be it further
RESOLVED,
That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is
authorized and directed to
transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Mr. Craig
Kemp, Senior Director of Customer
Feedback
and Response, Merck & Co., Inc.
=======
LC02965
=======