title: Vaccine myths and misconceptions.
abstract: Communicable diseases are on the rise worldwide. Some of the increase in prevalence of these nearly eradicated diseases is due to a decrease in vaccination rates. This decrease is primarily due to parental concerns over vaccine safety and the increasing rates of autism spectrum disorders. Medical providers must address the growing antivaccine movement and misconceptions about immunizations. Physician assistants are in a unique position to offer evidence-based medical advice and encourage immunizations in order to prevent disease outbreaks.
authors.affiliation: Kathy Clift practices at Salinas (Calif.) Family Practice and is a recent graduate of the Pace Completion Program. She also is a graduate of the pediatric PA residency program through Norwalk Hospital/Yale University Hospital in Connecticut. Denise Rizzolo is an associate professor in the Seton Hall University PA program in South Orange, N.J., a part-time assistant clinical professor at the Pace Completion Program in New York City, and practices urgent care in Springfield, N.J. The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.
authors.forename: Kathy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Clift
authors.forename: Denise
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rizzolo
mesh_terms: D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D010823:Physician Assistants; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical / Q000009:adverse effects; D055990:Therapeutic Misconception / Q000523:psychology; D013849:Thimerosal / Q000009:adverse effects; D014611:Vaccination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014612:Vaccines / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical; D014612:Vaccines; D013849:Thimerosal