EMERGING TRENDS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASE
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Image from Institute of the History of Medicine , Johns Hopkins University
2012 Call to Action : Adult Vaccination Saves Lives 3 and indicated a communication breakdown that leaves many adults unaware of the need for vaccines . According to the surveys , 87 % of physicians said they discussed vaccines with all patients , but 47 % of patients said they could not recall discussing vaccines other than influenza . 99 % of doctors said they or members of their staff initiated vaccine discussions , but 45 % of patients said they ( not their physician ) brought up vaccine discussions at routine healthy visits . Most importantly , the surveys indicated “ physician advice ” as the most influential factor in motivating adults ’ vaccination decisions with “ a strong recommendation from my physician ” topping the list at 88 % of respondents .
Despite this 2012 Call to Action being supported by 35 US medical organizations , adult vaccination rates have not improved significantly since . Why ? Did the medical societies not really support the call to action ? Did they or the providers they represent not believe adult vaccination saves lives ? Is it too difficult a challenge ? Is it possible that the US will continue pandemic conditions - while new vaccines that could stop it are simply stored in freezers across the country ?
As I consider this real possibility , I am reminded of Hillel the Elder ’ s age-old question : ‘ If not now , when ?” So I ask , “ If not you , who ?” We must consider COVID-19 vaccination a renewed call to action for US providers to embrace new vaccination technology . We must all do everything we can to place COVID-19 on the list of diseases eradicated from the US through vaccination .
References :
1
Herd immunity and implications for SARS-CoV-2 . Omer et al . JAMA Insights ( October 19 , 2020 ).
2
U . S . Public Now Divided Over Whether To Get COVID-19 Vaccine . Concerns about the safety and effectiveness of possible vaccine , pace of approval process . Pew Research Center Society and Science . September 17 , 2020 . Alec Tyson , Courtney Johnson , Cary Funk .
3
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases . Call To Action : Adult Vaccination Saves Lives . Bethesda , MD , 2012 .
Dr . Schulz is a system epidemiologist with Norton Healthcare .
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