This article, published in Pediatrics, discusses the issue of public trust in the safety and efficacy of vaccines and how it is one key to the 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 the authors believe threatens the ability of children to receive timely, full immunization. They have identified multiple factors that have contributed to these 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).

Author(s): Cooper LZ, Larson HJ, Katz SL

Published: 2008

Resource types: Peer-reviewed journal

Diseases: Not disease/vaccine specific

Topics: Advocacy and communications; Vaccine safety

Regions: North America and Europe