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Immunization
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Latest News
Immunization information is constantly changing and updated based on the latest research. Use this page to find the latest AAP information on what's going on in the news.
Supplement on Vaccine SafetyThe American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), along with leading healthcare organizations throughout the world, has been educating parents and pediatricians on the importance of immunizations in order to stop vaccine-preventable diseases from severely disabling or killing children. Vaccines are safe, effective and save lives. A supplement in the May issue of Pediatrics (published online April 18), contains 19 articles on vaccine safety. The articles are available for free by clicking here.
Measles Outbreak in MinnesotaIn February and March 2011, 13 measles cases were reported in Minnesota. For more information, visit the CDC's measles outbreak page. (Exit Site)
Supreme Court RulingThe AAP stands behind the February 2011 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Bruesewitz v. Wyeth, Inc. (No. 09-152, S. Ct.) to preserve the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) and safeguard the nation’s vaccine supply. In July 2010, the AAP joined 21 partnering health organizations to file an amici curiae (friends of the court) brief in the case, urging the Court to protect the VICP established in the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Compensation Act of 1986 (“Vaccine Act”) by confirming that the law preempts design defect claims against vaccine manufacturers. Today, in a 6-2 decision, the Court upheld a recent ruling by the Third Circuit Court and supported the Academy’s position in the case, holding, “The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act preempts all design-defect claims against vaccine manufacturers brought by plaintiffs who seek compensation for injury or death caused by vaccine side effects.”
To read the full press release from the AAP, click here.
Reports in the Media
Pertussis Outbreaks - Fall 2010Recently, there have been outbreaks of pertussis (also know as whooping cough) in various areas of the United States. Pertussis is particularly dangerous to infants who are too young to receive the DTaP vaccine. At least 10 babies have died during these outbreaks. Experts are recommending “cocooning,” a strategy that protects infants who are too young to be immunized, by having parents, siblings, and caretakers vaccinated against this disease. People over 11 years of age (and those over 7 in some states with outbreaks) should receive 1 dose of Tdap vaccine if they have not already.
Vaccine Court - September 2010 UpdateThe American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) acknowledges that autism is a serious condition that has profound effects on a child and the child’s family. Further research is needed to better understand the cause of autism spectrum disorders and the most effective treatments.
The U.S. Court of Federal Claims has found the scientific evidence is “overwhelmingly contrary” to the theories that measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine and the vaccine preservative thimerosal are linked to autism. The ruling was recently upheld by the appeals court. These decisions are in keeping with the numerous medical studies that have been performed worldwide. The AAP hopes the determination by the Special Masters and appeals court will reassure parents that vaccines do not cause autism
PBS Airs Frontline DocumentaryOn April 27, 2010, PBS aired the Frontline documentary, "The Vaccine War." It examined the medical risks vs benefits of vaccines, as well as parents' rights to choose and the common good. Several vaccine experts including Paul Offit, MD, FAAP, were interviewed along with parents who have chosen not to immunize their children. Click here to view the documentary. (Exit Site)
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