Expert Insights and Commentary


Is There a Universal Flu Vaccine in our Future?

By Christine Vara These past few weeks, there has been a great deal of conversation within this blog and on our Vaccinate Your Baby Facebook page regarding the seasonal...


An Epidemic of Apathy Towards Seasonal Flu

This article was originally printed as a guest post on BlogHer, Dec. 7, 2010, under the title, Why Everyone Should Get A Flu Shot, in honor of National Influenza Vaccination...


Influenza Vaccination: The Danger is Not Getting It

By Carol J. Baker, MD Every flu season is different and unpredictable, but each year influenza causes children to get sick, and can lead to hospitalizations and even deaths....


Training Offered To Educate Nurses on Vaccines

By Christine Vara There has been quite a bit of commentary lately about mandatory vaccinations for healthcare workers.  Many medical establishments are moving in that direction and for good...


Vaccinations “Cocoon” Infants Too Young to be Immunized

By Christine Vara When our first child was born, my husband and I were intent on protecting her from harm.  While we were probably like most new parents, I’ll...


The Minority Rules the Herd

By Christine Vara “What?” you say.  “Minority rules?”  “How can that be?” Living in the suburbs of DC I’m constantly reminded about the power of the majority.  In these post-election days,...


Friends Don’t Let Friends…(fill in the blank here)

By Christine Vara Perhaps I’m dating myself, but I seem to recall an ad against drunk driving that simply stated “Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk”.  I believe the...


"History" Makes Headlines with Launch of New Website

History of Vaccines: A New Website by the Oldest Medical Society in the United States Stanley A. Plotkin, MD Before Edward Jenner developed vaccination for smallpox in 1796, the...


Make Mine a Double…Up The Nose

By Christine Vara Yesterday, my daughters and I got our flu shots.  Actually, we got a double nasal spray – one up each nostril.  I must say that whoever...


Now That We've Got Your Attention…

By Christine Vara This past week on Shot of Prevention has been extremely exciting.  We’ve seen a lot of activity and numerous new voices contributing their thoughts and insights...