Vaccine development expensive but worthy of investment from Congress

"During the last three decades, the biopharmaceutical industry has invested significantly in new and improved vaccines," and "[t]he collaborative efforts of the [CDC], [the WHO], national governments and industry have led to major progress in addressing global immunization goals and reducing illness and death due to vaccine-preventable diseases," Jim Greenwood, president and CEO of the Biotechnology Industry Organization, and Eduardo Pisani, director general of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Association (IFPMA), write in The Hill's "Congress Blog." They continue, "Vaccines do not just save lives, they also save money," and they note several studies and estimates showing the benefits.

However, "[a]lthough vaccinations are among the most cost-effective health interventions developed, vaccine development is a highly complex, lengthy, expensive and high-risk venture," the authors write, adding that "[i]nvestment is critical." Greenwood and Pisani continue, "Leaders in Washington can help by raising public awareness about the value of vaccines, [as well as] backing vaccine development and continued appropriations for global and domestic immunization programs." They state, "One step would be for the U.S. government to renew its financial commitment to the GAVI Alliance," which "the U.S. has supported," and they conclude, "We call on our dedicated lawmakers across Capitol Hill to reconfirm their commitment" (4/18).