Personal Stories


Why Some Parents Are Refusing HPV Vaccine For Their Children

Some of the data contained in this post has been updated.  For a more recent review of the prevalence of HPV infection and more current data on the safety...


Think Chickenpox is Party Worthy? Think Again

It’s astonishing to me that there are people who are so dead-set against vaccinating their children that they somehow feel it is safer to sicken their children by exposing...


A Prince and a Plea

I’ve had some mixed emotions these past few days.  As the world rejoices in the arrival of a new prince, I’m thinking about all the babies born around the world that...


Tell ABC That Jenny McCarthy Doesn’t Represent Your ‘View’

Personally, I’ve never really given Jenny McCarthy much consideration.  To me she represents a pretty face who has done her best to exploit her good looks in order to earn...


Fighting the Flu Year Round

You would think that by this time of year the influenza season in the United States would be far from over.  Sadly, last week’s flu activity proves otherwise. Although...


A Sibling’s Loss Means A Commitment to Protection

Last week people around the country celebrated National Sibling Day by flooding their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts with photos and memories that honored that special family bond we have with our siblings. In the...


Active Interest in Vaccines Leads to Improved Public Health

It’s National Public Health Week and this year’s focus is on ROI –  Return On Investment.  Considering today’s budgetary challenges, it’s imperative that we spend public health funds wisely. ...


Meningitis Vaccine May Save Your Child's Life

Earlier this week I watched a mother lay her sweet 13-year-old child to rest. After a year-long battle with cancer, Kimberly’s fight was over and an entire community turned...


The Rose-Colored Glasses Of Youth

I can still remember the rose-colored glasses I wore as a child. No.  Not real glasses. The kind that made you believe that you could do anything.  The kind that...


Pertussis Losses and Immunization Challenges

This week I read another story of an infant who lost her life to pertussis. Sebanna’s story. It begins with a young wife – a first time mom –...