American Academy of Pediatrics Forms Immunization Alliance

Immunize your children or not? Parents worried whether they are making the correct decision when choosing to immunize their children will soon have new and easily accessible information: the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the largest medical group representing doctors who treat children, has formed the Immunization Alliance. The Immunization Alliance will work inform parents and communities of the great importance of vaccines.

The Alliance—consisting of leaders with several allied organizations—was formed based on the recommendation of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and AAP, in response to the increased number of parents refusing to vaccinate their children. The group recentlly met and has identified several factors that have lead to recent attacks against vaccines, including parents spreading speculation rather than scientifically proven fact, uninformed populations that do not realize the risks of the diseases vaccines are developed to prevent, uneven internet media, and a decrease in trust placed in the government and the health care systems. The group discussed strategies that addressed these situations in the past and agreed to promote the value of vaccines. The group will meet again in July to discuss the message to be presented through news media and doctor's offices.

The CDC recommends all children from birth to 18 have a minimum of 16 vaccines, with new combo vaccines being developed that will help reduce this number. There has been a large amount of negative press of late regarding immunizations and their side effects, most notably a specific ingredient in the Measles Mumps Rubella vaccination (MMR) that was linked to autism. At this time, while lawsuits have been filed, this is only speculation creating doubt and concern amongst parents. News reports and internet frenzies set off alarms for some parents who are now refusing or postponing immunizations. Immunizations are important and without them communities may be in jeopardy, but making parents feel confident that they are making the correct decision in regards to their children's health is also important.

It is important that parents become well acquainted with each vaccine, what it does to protect your child and community, and make informed decisions based on fact. You can discuss immunization with your pediatrician and visit the AAP website, which has information for parents who may have questions.