The question concerning vaccination's effectiveness is spurring heated discussion across the country, prompting a group of legislators to pen a letter advocating on vaccination's behalf, Roll Call reports.
Here are four things to know:
1. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-Ore.), Sen. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) and Sen. Gene Green (D-Texas) sent a letter to their fellow Senate health committee members supporting vaccinations.
The legislators wrote, "The science is clear: FDA-licensed vaccines are proven to be safe and effective, and save the lives both of those who receive them and vulnerable individuals around them."
2. The senators say the letter's timing is crucial as vaccination rates are decreasing in many U.S. regions.
3. President Donald Trump has spoken out against vaccines on numerous occasions. He tweeted in March 2014, "Healthy young child goes to doctor, gets pumped with massive shot of many vaccines, doesn't feel good and changes - AUTISM. Many such cases!"
4. Roll Call reports most legislators heading health policy in Washington, D.C., are all on the same page on vaccine's benefits. In the letter, the legislators wrote, "Vaccines save lives."
