Science/Research


How Social Networks Can Influence Flu Vaccination Decisions

This blog post initially appeared as part of the NFID inaugural 2015 National Influenza Immunization Week (NIVW) Blog Relay.   As a communications specialist and mother of five, I’m extremely...


Is it Common for Doctors to Dismiss Patients Who Refuse Vaccines?

A new study published in Pediatrics examines the characteristics of doctors who dismiss families for refusing vaccines for their children. While almost all of the 534 pediatricians and family physicians...


Dr. Schaffner Helps Clear Up the Confusion on Meningococcal Vaccines

Since outbreaks of meningococcal serogroup B began occurring on various college campuses late last year, resulting in several student deaths, there has been a lot of interest in a...


Afraid of an Allergic Reaction to Vaccines? Chances are One in a Million

It’s a fairly common concern.  What are the chances that I will have an allergic reaction to a vaccine?  And if so, how dangerous could it be?  What about...



Flu Doesn’t Discriminate So Be Sure To Vaccinate

Each year statistics remind us that anyone can suffer, die or be hospitalized as a result of the flu. That is why influenza vaccine is recommended each and every...


We’re Healthier Today Thanks to the Vaccines of Yesterday

“You can’t know where you’re going until you know where you’ve been.” We often take the medical marvel of vaccines for granted. When we stop to evaluate public health, we tend to focus...


ACIP Passes “Permissive” Recommendation for MenB Vaccine for Young Adults

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend MenB vaccine earlier today in order to protect young adults from the deadly “b” strain of meningitis.  The...


Will We See Broader Recommendations for the MenB Vaccine?

At an upcoming meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on June 24th, committee members will consider whether to recommend routine use of MenB vaccines in adolescents....


Why Early HPV Vaccination is Beneficial

Since the human papillomavirus (HPV) is transmitted from one person to another through sexual activity, many parents question why the CDC recommends the vaccine be administered to boys and...