Policy/Advocacy


Should Doctors Refuse Patients Who Refuse?

Week after week, I read about doctors who are refusing patients who refuse vaccines.  It’s an ongoing debate that has drawn a great deal of commendation and criticism. On the one hand, doctors are admired for taking a...


There’s Value in Vaccines, Even When Not 100% Effective

Does the fact that vaccines are not 100% effective mean that they have no value in preventing disease? Certainly not. When we are vaccinated, we expect that the shot we receive will prevent...


Where Does Your State Stand on School Immunization Exemptions?

States all across the country are becoming battle grounds for vaccine exemption laws.  As some grow concerned about the ease in which people can obtain immunization exemptions, they are...


Protect Vermont's School Children from Vaccine Preventable Diseases

Calling All Vermont Families!! – A bill has been introduced in your Legislature that will remove the clause that allows parents to casually check off “philosophical exemptions” as a...


Every Child By Two Thanks You for Sharing the Love

It’s Valentine’s Day and we would like to treat our friends to a little riddle. What do you get when you cross The Black Eyed Peas with vaccine advocacy?  Well,...


Friday Flu Shot: Recommendations For Health Care Workers

Three times a year the National Vaccine Advisory Committee (NVAC), which is an advisory group to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), meets to discuss vaccine...


The Health of One Small Child In the Hands of One Big World

Day after day I read articles from parents speaking out in support of vaccines.  Like myself, these parents understand that fear and misinformation about immunizations can spread as quickly as a contagious...


A Family Struggles to Understand Seizures Following Vaccination

It’s understandable that parents can be concerned about adverse reactions to vaccines.  Although they are rare, we know they exist.  However, from a medical standpoint, it’s also important that...


The Super Bowl and the CDC on What Makes A Champion

My husband and I both grew up as fans of the NY Giants.  Over the years, as we’ve moved from state to state, we’ve discovered that there are a...


What's New With the 2012 Immunization Schedule

It’s important for doctors, nurses, health care professionals and parents to keep informed about changes to the recommended immunization schedule.    Today’s report from the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) details the changes...