Doctors Say Public Needs Reassurance
Posted on: Friday, 19 September 2008, 13:00 CDT
Public confidence in the safety of vaccines is at a low, and a new coalition of 22 major medical groups says that needs to be restored to avoid risks for deadly disease outbreaks in the United States.The Chicago-based American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and 20 more of the nation's most influential health-related groups released the strong message Thursday.
The recent concern stems from a rash of measles outbreaks in several U.S. cities.
In August, health officials said 131 children had gotten the measles so far this year which is the highest number in more than a decade.
Nearly half of the measles cases involved children whose parents rejected vaccination and many of the cases were traced to outbreaks overseas.
"The ongoing measles outbreaks in several states are testimony that those who forgo vaccinations are vulnerable to infection from imported disease, and can pose a significant health risk for their communities," said AMA board member Dr . Ardis Hoven, an infectious disease specialist.
More than 77 percent of U.S. toddlers have gotten all their recommended shots, according to recent government data. The doctor groups said that means about one-fourth of toddlers aren't getting the shots they need, an unacceptable number.
"We do not want to become a nation of people who are vulnerable to diseases that are deadly or that can have serious complications, especially if those diseases can be prevented," said Dr. Renee Jenkins, the American Academy of Pediatrics' president.
The alliance said public health officials need to proactively counteract campaigns by advocacy groups who believe vaccines can cause autism. The alliance says they are backed by scientific evidence of the benefits of vaccines.
The alliance said public health officials could boost confidence in vaccines, by urging the government to create a public information campaign, and calling for more vaccine research.
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Source: redOrbit staff
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