Published online July 1, 2008
PEDIATRICS Vol. 122 No. 1 July 2008, pp. 149-153 (doi:10.1542/peds.2008-0987)

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SPECIAL ARTICLE

Protecting Public Trust in Immunization

Louis Z. Cooper, MD^a, Heidi J. Larson, PhD^b,c, Samuel L. Katz, MD^d

^a Professor Emeritus, Department of Pediatrics, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
^b International Development, Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts
^c Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Cambridge, Massachusetts
^d Professor Emeritus, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina

Public trust in the safety and efficacy of vaccines is one key to the remarkable 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 now threatens the ability of children to receive timely, full immunization. Multiple factors have contributed to current 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). Prompt attention by public health leadership to spreading concern about the safety of immunization is essential for protecting deserved public trust in immunization.

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Key Words: immunization • vaccination • safety • public health practice • public participation • parent beliefs • adverse effects • immunization-safety science

Abbreviations: CDC—Centers for Disease Control and Prevention • FDA—Food and Drug Administration • DHHS—Department of Health and Human Services • NIH—National Institutes of Health • ISB—Immunization Safety Branch • NIP—National Immunization Program • NCIRD—National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases • VFC—Vaccines for Children Program • PHS—Public Health Service • NVPO—National Vaccine Program Office • NVAC—National Vaccine Advisory Committee

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Accepted Apr 21, 2008.

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