Protecting public trust in immunization.
Public trust in the safety and efficacy of vaccines is one key to the remarkable success of immunization programs within the United States and globally. Allegations of harm from vaccination have raised parental, political, and clinical anxiety to a level that now threatens the ability of children to receive timely, full immunization. Multiple factors have contributed to current concerns, including the interdependent issues of an evolving communications environment and shortfalls in structure and resources that constrain research on immunization safety (immunization-safety science). Prompt attention by public health leadership to spreading concern about the safety of immunization is essential for protecting deserved public trust in immunization.
Cooper
Louis Z
LZ
Department of Pediatrics, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA. loucooper@att.net
Larson
Heidi J
HJ
Katz
Samuel L
SL
D001294:Attitude to Health; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology*; D007223:Infant; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D011634:Public Health; D011639:Public Opinion; D012449:Safety; D035502:Trust; D014481:United States; D014483:United States Dept. of Health and Human Services