Policy/Advocacy


Kimberly, Cancer and Another Reason to Get Your Flu Shot

One of the most endearing things my seven-year-old says is “this just happened in real life”.  This is my “real life” story today. I wake up to help get a houseful of kids ready for school. ...


Getting Kids Their Flu Vaccine Just May Save Their Life

Each year, about this time, I think about a friend who died from influenza.  It couldn’t have been more of a shock.  He was completely fit.  Healthy.  A relatively young man in his early thirties.  Yet, despite...


Don’t Be One.Get One.

December 2012 It’s National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW), and while I plan to focus on our national efforts to reduce the thousands of hospitalizations, and even deaths, that occur in the...


Pertussis Immunity May Wane, But Vaccine Still Offers Protection

Today I wish I hadn’t bothered reading the immunization news. Today I would much rather be dancing around to holiday music and breaking out some festive decorations. Because today, like...


Join In #GivingTuesday

During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, parents eagerly snatch up sales on the latest kids’ craze and scour stores shelves for those treasured gifts and best...


World Pneumonia Day 2012 Reminds Us There's Still Work to Do

Tackling the Deadliest Disease for the World’s Poorest Children Former First Lady, and Every Child By Two co-founder, Rosalynn Carter believes every child deserves a chance at a 5th birthday.  That...


Communities Work Together to Help Silence Whooping Cough

Washington State is one of several states in the midst of a whooping cough epidemic.  Sadly,  the number of reported cases continues to rise. Currently, there have been...


How do You Spook the Flu?

Many parents still don’t realize that the seasonal flu vaccine is recommended annually for everyone 6 months and older.   To ensure people know that the flu vaccine is the best way to...


Fear and Funnies During our Family Flu Shots

I did it.  I finally did it.  I got all my kids their flu shots last week, despite the many obstacles we encountered along the way.  While it involved...


ACIP’s New Recommendation Regarding Pertussis Vaccine and Pregnant Women

As a parent, it’s reassuring to know that there is a committee of experts who meet regularly to develop specific vaccine recommendations.  That’s right – experts.  Experts in vaccinology,...