Shot of Prevention

Modern culture is often reflected in everything from the skewed view of popular reality shows and viral YouTube videos, to the personal discussions friends have on Facebook and in online chat rooms.  Since we are bombarded by such a wide variety of media, today’s parents must constantly navigate the popular messages and decipher between that which serves to entertain, versus that which is intended as news and information.  The challenge is that this is becoming increasingly difficult to do – especially when it pertains to parenting and children’s health.

Recently, one of our Vaccinate Your Baby Facebook friends discovered an online article entitled Why Shouldn’t We Vaccinate Our Children , which appeared in the Family Health section of Discovery’s “The Learning Channel” site.  The author is a senior writer at HowStuffWorks.com, co-host of the Stuff You Should Know podcast, and posts on Facebook at the official Stuff You Should Know page.  While one may read his article in hopes of learning how “stuff” (like vaccines and our immune systems) work, the article fails to deliver anything but broad generalizations and unsupported suggestions.   Rather than providing parents with a clear understanding of the science behind vaccines, the article is a disappointment that suggests parents be concerned about vaccines without offering any solid evidence.

If The Learning Channel were truly committed to helping people “learn”, and the author wanted to write about “stuff you should know“, then the article should have included information from those who do know stuff.  Specifically stuff about vaccines.  That’s not to say that the writer must be an infectious disease specialist in order to present accurate information on  immunizations.  But it would have been better if an expert was actually consulted on the article.  Without any specific references or resources to refer to, this author’s piece is completely unsubstantiated, yet disguised as something that some may consider credible.    Even though he suggests that people do “independent research on this issue,” he fails to direct readers to reputable sources where they can gain further information.

Fortunately, several members of the Vaccinate Your Baby Facebook page were quick to raise concern. Read more…

Last week I heard about a woman, opposed to vaccines, that presents business cards to random strangers, like the pregnant teller at the bank.  The card directs people to information that is intended to deter them from immunizing their children.  While this woman is a prime example of the vocal minority, the truth is that the majority of parents vaccinate their children as recommended.  They just don’t feel the need to advertise it to strangers.  But perhaps it’s time for this to change.

The Moms Who Vax blog is an excellent representation of parents who are speaking out in favor of immunizations.  With increasing cases of vaccine preventable diseases, along with growing numbers of intentionally unvaccinated children, some parents are becoming more vocal in their immunization advocacy efforts.  Parents, like Jessica Parker, have decided to speak out – on blogs, on Facebook threads, in mommy chat rooms, directly to their members of Congress and, most importantly, to other parents who are faced with decisions concerning their children’s health and immunizations.

Jessica explains why she has become so passionate about this issue;

“I never even knew of the pro-/anti-vax battleground until I had children. It was never something I questioned, and it was never an option to consider not protecting them. The mere list of symptoms and long-lasting effects of preventable diseases was enough to convince me to vaccinate my kids. Then, when I got pregnant with my second child, a friend gave me an anti-vax book in hopes that I would change my mind. I’ll admit, it made me angry. The outright lies were easy to see through. All it did was fuel my passion to educate others on vaccination.”

Recently, Jessica returned from a trip where she made a surprising discovery.  A disease, which is now vaccine preventable, had impacted her family in ways she had never known.  Her story appears on Moms Who Vax to remind parents of the differences vaccines have made in our lives today – for us, as parents, as well as for our children.   

How Measles Made a Mark on My Family, by Jessica Parker

I’m sure many mothers can relate when I say that family is my world. My extended family tells me where I came from. My parents helped shape who I am today. My sister was my first friend. My husband is my teammate. My children are my legacy. Family is one thing I will never tire of investing in (though I do have my moments of needing a break), and my children are one thing I will always fight to protect. Read more…

Last week’s Shot@Life campaign launch was not only impressive, but extremely inspirational.

Several months ago, I learned how the Shot@Life campaign was focused on building awareness, raising funds and advocating for the millions of children around the world who do not have access to life-saving vaccines.

The message is simple, yet profound.

Every 20 seconds a child dies around the world of a disease that can be prevented by a vaccine… and we’re going to do something about it.

Personal Advocacy

As a parent who has been heavily engaged in the immunization dialogue for the past two years, I quickly identified with the Shot@Life message.  However, in the past few weeks, what has  inspired me the most about this campaign, has been the way in which the 30 other grassroot champions embraced this message.  Since we all attended the  Shot@Life volunteer summit in February each of these champions have found a way to utilize their time and creativity to bring the Shot@Life message to the masses.  All across the country, these everyday moms, dedicated professionals, interested educators and concerned bloggers have hosted special Shot@Life events.  From themed birthday parties and special events, to awareness walks and in-district meetings with their Members of Congress, they have each worked hard to raise awareness for increased global vaccine funding.   (If you’re looking for inspiration and ideas on how you can get involved, read all about what has inspired these advocates and the diverse ways they’ve been able to spread the message in the recent blog carnival featured on the Shot@Life blog.)

These individual volunteers were critical in directing attention last Thursday when, after detailed planning and flawless execution, the UN Foundation officially launched the Shot@Life  campaign at the Georgia Aquarium.   Thousands of volunteer advocates, celebrities, medical experts and some of the country’s most influential voices committed themselves that day to the Shot@Life mission.  From the Tout videos that were recorded at the launch and the overwhelming number of tweets we received during our three-hour “Celebrate Childhood” Twitter party, it was clear that Shot@Life touches upon a cause that people are extremely passionate about – children’s health.

Devi Ramachandran Thomas, director of the Shot@Life campaign explains,

“More than 100,000 people, including world-renowned photographer Anne Geddes and some of the most influential online moms, are activating their networks across the U.S. and around the world to take action to save and improve the lives of children. From Los Angeles to New York and Seattle to Miami, thousands of Americans are rallying to get life-saving vaccines to children in developing countries who need them most. Their time, their voices, and the money they are raising sends a powerful message that Americans understand the value of vaccines and are ready to rally on behalf of millions of moms and their children worldwide.”

Committed Partners

The fact is that even with increased global immunization rates, one in five children still lacks access to these life-saving immunizations that can protect them from diseases like polio, measles, diarrhea and pneumonia. The solution may sound simple - improve access to vaccines so that 1.5 million children in developing countries can be saved every year.  And fortunately, organizations such as UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations (GAVI), are already working to accomplish this monumental task.   But now, through the creation of this Shot@Life campaign, this broad group of grassroots advocates, coupled with many dedicated partners, are fully committed to helping mothers and their children in developing countries get a shot at a healthy life.

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter knows about the commitment it takes to improve vaccination rates.  Over 20 years ago, she co-founded a national advocacy organization known as Every Child By Two along with Betty Bumpers.  Although Every Child By Two was first created to improve childhood immunization rates amidst a measles outbreak in the US, the organization, through their new partnership with Shot@Life, is now actively advocating for childhood vaccines around the world.  As one of the prominent speakers in Atlanta last week, Rosalynn Carter helped kick off the Shot@Life campaign by saying,

“Healthy children help create a healthier world for everyone. As we know, germs and diseases don’t need a passport. Expanding access to vaccines strengthens our ability to fight disease globally and keep our families healthy here at home, while saving lives and improving economic stability around the world. I am honored and excited that Every Child By Two has joined forces with Shot@Life to educate Americans and advocate on the importance of childhood vaccines around the world.” Read more…

My daughter enjoying a previous birthday and her special occassion cupcakes.

Today happens to be my youngest daughter’s 7th birthday – a milestone for her and a day that she has been anticipating for weeks now.  As a typical seven-year old girl she has everything planned, right down to the sprinkles on the cupcakes she wanted me to bring into her first grade class.

Unfortunately, yesterday I had to deliver her some bad news.  I wouldn’t be there to jump on her bed and wake her with my silly birthday song like I do year after year.  And I wouldn’t be there to deliver the much-anticipated cupcakes.

Admittedly, I was a bit disappointed about it last night.

See, I traveled to Texas this weekend to address the Texas Pediatric Society and discuss parental vaccine hesitancy in the U.S.  After enduring 15 hours of torturous travel, only to enjoy a brief 20 hour visit, I was experienced another unfortunate airline debacle on my return flight. Having to unexpectedly stay another night away from my family, I sat frustrated in my lonely hotel room, upset that I would not be home for my daughter’s birthday.

As I thought about this milestone she would be celebrating without me, I thought about the incredible joy that she brings into my life.  I imagined her sweet voice, her precious smile, and the contagious giggles she would have made if I had been able to wake her with my crazy birthday antics. Like any mother, I simply can’t imagine my life without her in it.

And then my bitterness suddenly turned to appreciation, as I remembered what I’ve learned as a Shot@Life champion.

An estimated 1.5 million children die each year of a disease that could have been prevented by a vaccine.  

Their mothers may never have had the chance to see their children reach their seventh birthday.  And even though I may not be present to share in my daughter’s birthday, I realize how fortunate and privileged I am that she is here to experience it. Read more…

Later this week, I will have the privilege of speaking with a group of pediatricians about the topic of vaccine hesitancy.  While it’s not a subject that is new to any pediatrician, it continues to be an area that they are concerned about.  Although there are some doctors who refuse to see patients who remain unvaccinated, and others like Dr. Bob Sears who prefer to accommodate parental hesitancy by suggesting that unvaccinated patients will still be protected by the benefits of herd immunity, there are plenty of doctors who are committed to helping parents overcome vaccine hesitancy and ensure parents are comfortable with their decision to vaccinate their children.

It’s evident that pediatricians often play a critical role in helping to ensure that parents are informed about the recommended immunizations for their children and are encouraged to keep their children on schedule.  And I imagine that every pediatrician feels a responsibility to keep their patients safe and healthy.  However, it’s understandable that they may each differ in their approach. But with the popularity of the internet and social media, today’s parents are often seeking information and advice about immunization long before they have a face to face conversation with their pediatrician.

This can be a challenge.  Parents can easily fall prey to anecdotal stories that instill fear, as we often see with the recurring suggestions of those who adamantly believe in a vaccine/autism link, despite the fact that no such link has ever been scientifically supported.   It’s also common to see evidence of vaccine biases on websites that sell homeopathic remedies for ailments they claim are caused by vaccines.  And it’s likely that some parents are unaware of, or unable to adequately understand, the abundance of scientific research that supports the safety and efficacy of vaccines.

Therefore, it’s nearly impossible for pediatricians to anticipate exactly what is influencing parental hesitancy about vaccines.  And it’s even more difficult for pediatricians to determine the best way for them to address parental concerns.

But that is exactly why I’m writing this post. Read more…

The California Immunization Coalition (CIC) is proud to be a co-sponsor of AB 2109 (Pan) Vaccine Preventable Diseases along with the American Academy of Pediatrics – CA District, the California Medical Association, and the Health Officers Association of California which has the goal of improving vaccination rates and reducing the use of the personal belief exemption out of convenience in the state of California.

After speaking with the CIC, they explained that their main focus in on ”reducing the number of exemptions by convenience with a goal of keeping our schools and our community safe for children”.

Their primary message on this bill is NOT that they want to stop families from obtaining a personal belief exemption.  This bill does not prevent a family from refusing one or more school entry vaccines. Rather, it introduces an “information step” into the process, which is accomplished by the family and a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant signing a simple form that indicates the parent received information on the benefits and risks of vaccines from that health care provider.  This information step was introduced based on the following considerations:

• Parents deserve to have reliable information to support the healthcare decisions they make for their family.
• Children who are exempted from vaccines are at significant risk for diseases.
• It’s important that the state ensure that requests for exemptions from immunization are based on conviction, not convenience.

You will find the AB 2109 Fact Sheet here and the current text of bill here where you can also subscribe to bill updates. Read more…