MLM and Vaccine Promotion

The campaign to promote vaccinations reminds me of a multi-level marketing plan. Although there are a few 'big names' promoting the practice.... The majority of sales are being done by non-medical 'consultants' such as school faculty and administration, public health employees, and medical office personnel  unqualified to write the prescription for the drugs they promote.

And although the 'scientific literature' is clearly alluded to; sales are promoted by 'testimonials' appealing to consumer emotions rather than providing clear factual documentation.

The company media provided to 'consultants' is well funded, glossy photos, billboards, tv adds designed to promote sales and make it clear how much risk you take by not 'buying in'.

The most effective part of this campaign is the down line.... Other consumers such as your Mother in Law, next door neighbor, and daughters best friends mother all work together to promote more sales and stress the clear danger of not being part of this great 'opportunity'.

I applaud the brainpower behind this campaign. It's pretty clear to me that vaccines had to be taken out of the realm of legitimate medicine and marketed in this way because of the liability issues associated promoting these drugs across the board to a population as vulnerable as children (vaccine injury act). Pharmaceutical companies remove themselves from liability and the government takes over marketing and deals with all the problems. So now, if your child does suffer a reaction from the prescription drug that was administered to them by a health professional; the government - not the physician - deals with the liability. Of course it's not called malpractice because vaccines are being administered 'outside' of the flow of legitimate medicine. When the government stepped in, both physicians and the pharmaceutical companies themselves were freed of any liability issues associated with vaccines.

Sometimes I think we get so bogged down by details that we fail to notice the big picture. When I step back and see it, I understand that the wellbeing of my child is not really the issue. Vaccinations are more about politics, big business, and the media.... But the well being of my children is MY primary issue. And the health and ability of my patients to make informed choices is MY great concern.