Vaccination Experts Endorse Moorestown Resident For State Assembly

MOORESTOWN, NJ — Dr. Jennifer Chuang has picked up the endorsements of three esteemed vaccine experts in her bid for a state assembly seat, Chuang announced over the weekend. Dr. Paul Offit, Dr. Peter Hotez, and Law Professor Dr. Dorit Rubinstein Reiss have voiced their support for Chuang as she seeks the bid for the 7th District Assembly seat in the June 6 Democratic Primary. Chuang, a newcomer to the political scene, is running in the primary against party-backed candidates Herb Conaway and Carol Murphy.

“It is critical to me as a pediatrician and an internal medicine physician to protect the public health of residents in New Jersey against vaccine preventable diseases,” Chuang said. “Fear of vaccination has led to current outbreaks of measles in Minnesota and Europe in vulnerable underimmunized populations. I am so privileged to have the support of these leaders who are dedicated to protecting the health of children.”

Offit is a pediatric infectious disease specialist and an expert on vaccines, immunology, and virology. He is the co-inventor of a rotavirus vaccine that has been credited with saving hundreds of lives every day. He is a frequent writer and speaker about the importance of vaccinations.

“She's amazing. Strong, resolute, clearly dedicated to the health and well being of children and their families,” Offit said in his endorsement. “It's heartening to see physicians like Dr. Chuang getting into politics. I endorse her fully.”

Hotez is a pediatric infectious disease specialist whose research focuses on developing vaccines for tropical diseases. He has written several books and papers regarding his research and experience.

Rubinstein Reiss is a law professor whose work focuses on legal issues related to vaccines including exemption laws and tort liability related to non-vaccination.

Chuang has said she’s concerned about the perceived link between vaccinations and autism. She said she understands fears about not knowing enough about autism in general, but said she can definitively say that there is no link between the two.

As a pediatrician, Chuang has a range of opinions on medical issues, including nationalized healthcare. While she said she would like to one day see a single-payer system in America, she thinks the best way to reduce costs is to work with the insurance companies, given the current political climate.

Outside of medical issues, she wants to see the state resume payments to the Teacher’s Pension Fund, end the PARCC graduation requirement, and combat the growing number of hate crimes in the country and the state.

For more on Chuang's candidacy, click here.

Patch file photo