Presentation 4-VaccineForum-DrMegFisher

Vaccines, 2008Meg Fisher, MDMedical Director,The Children’s HospitalMonmouth Medical CenterAn affiliate of the Saint Barnabas Health Care SystemLong Branch, NJ

DisclosuresI have no disclosures.I will not be mentioning offlabel uses of vaccines.

Immunization SafetyStarts during developmentAnimal studies before human studiesSafety and efficacyInvestigational New Drug ApplicationPhase 1, 2 and 3 clinical trials

Post-licensure SafetyVaccine adverse events reporting systemVaccine Safety datalinkClinical immunization safety assessmentManufacturersUniversities, interested investigators

Vaccine ScheduleWhy so soon?:Early infection often more dangerousDelaying doesn’t decrease adverse eventsDelaying leaves children unprotected

Vaccine ScheduleWhy so many?:Prevention is better than trying to cureMore in this case is betterThe immune system is designed to handlemultiple antigens at once

Why Mandate Vaccines?Prior to mandates, rates were low anddisparities aboundedLook at adult rates for influenza andpneumococcal vaccinesWhy mandate education: children = our futureWhy immunizations: Ounce of preventionwill always be superior to pounds of cure

Use of ResourcesMillions spent to disprove any association ofmeasles vaccines and autismMillions spent to disprove damage fromthimerosalThese have been costly distractionsLet’s spend the effort studying autism

Websiteswww.aap.orgwww.cdc.govwww.immunizationinfo.orgwww.vaers.org