Whether you’re interested in tracking misinformation, flagging misinformation, or just want to show support for vaccines and science, you are needed now more than ever.
About the Author: In her role at BIO, Phyllis Arthur is responsible for working with member companies in vaccines, molecular diagnostics and bio-defense on policy, legislative and regulatory issues. Ms. Arthur joined BIO in July 2009 as the Director of Healthcare Regulatory Affairs. Prior to joining BIO, she worked in numerous marketing and sales positions for Merck & Co., Inc. in their Vaccine Division. Over her 16 year career in vaccines Ms. Arthur launched several exciting new vaccines in the United States and internationally, including the first HPV vaccine GARDASIL. During her years in Marketing she worked closely with clinical and academic thought leaders in infectious diseases, oncology and public health. In addition, Ms. Arthur also led a large vaccine sales organization of over 75 representatives and managers covering 14 states. Before graduate school, Ms. Arthur worked as a research assistant for two economists at the Brookings Institution in Washington, DC. There she conducted economic analyses related to savings and investment policies for the OECD countries. Ms. Arthur received her B.A. in 1987 in Economics and International Politics from Goucher College and her MBA in 1991 from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.
Standing with STRONGER
July 15, 2020
The development of safe and effective vaccines is more important than ever. As we have seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, infectious diseases can appear suddenly and spread quickly. As the biotech industry races to develop an effective vaccine for COVID-19, there has been an unprecedented commitment to ending the global threat once and for all with a vaccine against the virus.
While vaccines play a vital role in protecting public health, we have seen a lot of misinformation grow about their safety, efficacy, and impact. That is why BIO has long supported infectious disease prevention, working tirelessly to educate the public and policymakers on the positive impact of vaccines across our work with companies, philanthropic partners, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
And that is why BIO is now standing with STRONGER, a first-of-its kind effort designed to combat the spread of vaccine misinformation online. Here’s why this new effort led by Dr. Joe Smyser and his team the Public Good Projects, a public health nonprofit, is so important:
Vaccines save lives. Advancements in biotechnology have helped create new vaccines against deadly disease and improve existing vaccines available for patients. In the U.S., the recommended immunization series prevents approximately 33,000 deaths each year.
Misinformation risks lives. As false information spreads about vaccines and the science driving them, more and more lives are at risk to deadly diseases. In 2001, roughly 94 percent of Americans believed parents should vaccinate their children. Today, that number stands at less than 85 percent.
Vaccine safety & efficacy are top priorities. People around the world depend on vaccines to prevent highly contagious and deadly diseases, such as measles and seasonal flu. Vaccines go through rigorous testing to ensure they work safely and protect the most vulnerable people in our communities.
If you want to join a movement designed to promote public health and combat misinformation, be sure to visit http://www.stronger.org/. Stand with us as we stand with STRONGER.