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AMA Offers Strong Support of Childhood Immunizations |
SourceForumsHealth, Safety, Nutrition and KidsRelated ArticlesKids' Vaccinations Get a Little EasierInformation and news releases furnished by the members of PR Newswire, who are responsible for their fact and content. |
CHICAGO, Aug. 3, 1999 -- This statement is attributable to
Thomas
R. Reardon, President of the American Medical Association:
"The American Medical Association joins the American Academy of Pediatrics and U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher in strong support of childhood immunizations. In a statement submitted today to the U.S. House Committee on Government Reform, we noted that if a parent chooses not to have their child immunized, it not only puts that child at increased risk for disease -- but the entire community as well. "Immunization is perhaps the most significant public health story of the 21st century. Through the success of vaccination programs in America and throughout the world, many diseases that plagued previous generations have been brought under control and, in the case of smallpox, completely eradicated. "Abundant scientific data prove that the vaccines given to our children are extremely safe and effective -- but we recognize they are not 100 percent so. However, any claim of an adverse reaction is thoroughly researched to maintain this country's excellent record of preventing death and disease. "The AMA considers immunization an important and essential public health strategy that cannot be compromised. Critical public health decisions must be made on the basis of scientific fact -- not just anecdotal reports. Therefore, education about this issue is crucial -- and we encourage patients to talk to their physicians about both the risks and benefits of vaccination." CONTACT: LaNae E. Davis, Public Information Officer for the American Medical Association, 312-464-4418 |
