FOIA Request — CDC / VAERS Complete Dataset Removal

Date: April 9, 2026 | Via: Mail or CDC FOIA portal

From: Jason Page | VAERS Data Project / vaersdata.org | 5550 N Kenmore Ave, APT 722, Chicago, IL 60640 | 312-404-7144 | pagetelegram@proton.me

To: CDC FOIA Officer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, FOIA Office (MS D-54), 1600 Clifton Road, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30329-4027

Dear FOIA Officer,

Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552, I request records from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and any relevant subdivisions or contractors involved in administering the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).

Background: The VAERS public data download page at https://vaers.hhs.gov/data/datasets.html previously offered a complete dataset archive for public download in a single file. That complete dataset option has been removed, leaving only individual annual files available for separate download. This materially limits public access to a federally maintained, taxpayer-funded vaccine safety surveillance system.

Records Requested (January 1, 2024 through date of processing):

Policy memoranda, directives, or guidance documents authorizing or recommending removal of the complete VAERS dataset from public download.
Internal communications (email, memos, meeting notes, chat logs) among CDC, HHS, FDA, or contractor personnel discussing the decision.
Written justification or legal review prepared in connection with the decision, including any Privacy Act or FISMA analysis.
Contracts, statements of work, or task orders with any vendor with responsibilities related to the VAERS data portal or data availability.
Communications with external parties (Congress, industry, advocacy groups, public) related to the dataset removal.
Website change logs, technical specifications, or project documentation reflecting changes to the datasets page or delivery infrastructure.
Records identifying who authorized the change, including names and titles of decision-making officials.

Format: Electronic format (PDF, CSV, XLSX, or plain text) via email to pagetelegram@proton.me or downloadable link.

Fee Waiver Request: Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. § 552(a)(4)(A)(iii), I request a full waiver of all fees. VAERS is a joint CDC/FDA post-market vaccine safety surveillance program. Restriction of bulk public access directly affects independent researchers, journalists, and the public — a matter of clear public concern. The requestor is the co-founder of VAERS Data Project (vaersdata.org), a non-commercial public interest initiative for independent analysis and public education. No commercial use is intended. If a full waiver is denied, please do not exceed $25.00 without prior written authorization.

Expedited Processing: Requested pursuant to 5 U.S.C. § 552(a)(6)(E) due to urgency in informing the public about restrictions on federal public health surveillance data, as the requestor is primarily engaged in public dissemination through vaersdata.org.

Please confirm receipt with a tracking number. If any portion is denied, identify the exemption(s) claimed and provide appeal information.

Submitted under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552.