AMA statement on Federal Vaccine Injury Initiative

Statement attributable to:
Willie Underwood, III, MD, MSc, MPH
President, American Medical Association

"The AMA strongly supports legitimate, ongoing vaccine safety monitoring, as well as research grounded in sound science. Investigating potential adverse events is an essential part of protecting patients and maintaining public trust. Research is key to advancing our understanding of this issue, but it must be conducted objectively, transparently, and free from political influence. It should follow strict scientific standards and allow the evidence-rather than predetermined conclusions-to guide the outcomes.

"We are already witnessing the rise in vaccine-preventable diseases due to declines in immunization rates across the U.S. Continuing to undermine confidence in established vaccination practices will further lower immunization rates and fuel the return of preventable diseases. If you have questions about vaccines, talk to your physician."

Vaccines remain among the most extensively studied advances in modern medicine. The AMA continues to support vaccine recommendations grounded in credible scientific evidence and the expertise of independent physicians and public health researchers. Vaccines dramatically reduce illness, disability, and death from infectious diseases.