ACMT Supports a COVID-19 Vaccine Approval Decision Based on Science, Not Politics

The American College of Medical Toxicology (ACMT) has released a statement supporting a vaccine approval process that is based on principles of medical science and free from political interference. 

A COVID-19 vaccine, when and if available, promises to become a key part of a multifaceted approach to address the current public health crisis. Vaccination has proven to be one of the most effective public health strategies in the United States and worldwide. However, there is already substantial resistance to established vaccines in some populations, regardless of effectiveness and proven safety. Because vaccination is voluntary, the success of a COVID-19 vaccine program will depend on public trust and willingness to receive the vaccine. Therefore, it is imperative that the vaccine approval process is based on principles of medical science and free from political interference, both of which could affect the scientific integrity of and public confidence in the vaccine.

Medical toxicologists are physicians with expertise in pharmacology, adverse drug effects, poisoning, and public health who recognize the many benefits and rare risks of vaccination. ACMT supports FDA authorization of a COVID-19 vaccine based on a prespecified threshold of efficacy in placebo-controlled clinical trials and sufficient follow-up data available to establish safety and efficacy.