Monograph to the January 2003 issue

An Ounce of Prevention: Communicating the Benefits and Risks of Vaccines to Parents

Introduction



The development of vaccines has led to the reduction and, in some cases, the elimination of many life-threatening diseases. However, in recent years pediatricians have been faced with increasing public concern about the necessity and safety of vaccines.

SLACK Incorporated, with the support of an unrestricted educational grant from Merck & Co., assembled a panel of experts in the area of pediatrics to discuss vaccine safety issues and the common concerns that parents have about immunizing their children. Panel members were involved in an interactive symposium, the results of which are published in this monograph. The purposes of the symposium and monograph are to facilitate awareness about vaccine misperceptions and to emphasize the importance of communication between pediatricians and parents regarding the benefits and risks of vaccines.

I would like to thank panel members Stephen R. Barone, MD, Sharon G. Humiston, MD, MPH, Jay M. Lieberman, MD, and Gary S. Marshall, MD, for their participation in this Infectious Diseases in Children symposium and monograph project.

Philip A. Brunell, MD
Chief Medical Editor
Infectious Diseases in Children

MODERATOR
Gary S. Marshall, MD [photo]
Gary S. Marshall, MD,
is a professor of pediatrics at the University of Louisville School of Medicine in Kentucky and is board-certified in pediatric infectious diseases.

Stephen R. Barone, MD [photo]
Stephen R. Barone, MD,
is associate professor of pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, and practices at Schneider Children’s Hospital at North Shore, Manhasset, N.Y.

Sharon G. Humiston, MD, MPH [photo]
Sharon G. Humiston, MD, MPH,
is assistant professor of emergency medicine and pediatrics at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in Rochester, N.Y.

Jay M. Lieberman, MD [photo]
Jay M. Lieberman, MD,
is associate professor of pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, and chief, pediatric infectious diseases, Miller Children’s Hospital, Long Beach, Calif.
Copyright 2003, SLACK Incorporated. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. The material presented at or in any of SLACK Incorporated continuing education activities does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of SLACK Incorporated. Neither SLACK Incorporated nor the faculty endorses or recommends any techniques, commercial products, or manufacturers. The faculty/authors may discuss the use of materials and/or products that have not yet been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. All readers and continuing education participants should verify all information before treating patients or utilizing any product.


[Introduction]
[Truths About Vaccines]
[Myths Regarding Immunization]
[Communication in the Physician's Office]
[Matching Communication Styles with Parent Personalities]

Copyright 2003, SLACK Incorporated. Revised 21 January 2003.