The World Health Organization and UNICEF recently shared a jarring number: Nearly 25 million children globally missed out on doses of a key immunization in 2021. This is coupled with data showing that more than 4 in 10 parents said they would not vaccinate their children under age 5 against COVID-19 and that only 30% of children ages 5 to 11 have been fully vaccinated.
As kids around the country have already returned or are preparing to head back to school, these dangerous trends emphasize the need for ensuring the children of our nation are vaccinated, up to date on immunizations and, ultimately, healthy.
As a family physician, there are a few things I know to be true. First, vaccines are safe, effective and save lives. They are the leading public health tool to combat disease and hospitalization, including for children. Second, primary care physicians are a trusted source of information for their patients, and we are key partners in keeping our local communities healthy. Third, we cannot forget about lifesaving routine immunizations – ones that provide critical protection against potentially deadly diseases.