Vaccines are crucial for public health, experts assert

A group of 34 scientific and medical organizations is urging the public to trust vaccines for their health. The coalition, led by the American Association of Immunologists and the American College of Physicians, made this recommendation in light of increasing vaccine misinformation and recent outbreaks of preventable diseases. The coalition emphasizes that vaccines play a critical role in public health. They describe vaccinations as a major achievement of biomedical research. The groups stress that vaccines are safe and effective tools against diseases that could easily be prevented. They encourage everyone to stick to recommended vaccination schedules. Concerns about declining trust in science were echoed in recent studies. A survey by the Pew Research Center showed that only 57% of Americans believe science has a positive impact on society, compared to 73% in 2019. Misinformation about vaccines on social media contributes to fears about their safety. The ongoing measles outbreak in Texas has resulted in over 300 cases and one death of an unvaccinated child. This has highlighted the real risks associated with low vaccination rates. Experts warn that while no treatment is without risks, the advantages of vaccines far outweigh any potential downsides. The coalition encourages people to talk to healthcare professionals about vaccines and to seek out reliable, science-based information for their health decisions. A full copy of their statement can be found on the AAI website.