Continuing as Partners in Immunization: Building Immunization Confidence Through Communication, Education, and...

Immunizations are among the most effective public health measures, significantly reducing the prevalence of serious infectious diseases across the population. Their success is so profound that many in the United States have never witnessed the devastating effects of illnesses, such as measles, polio, or diphtheria. Despite this progress, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports a decrease in childhood vaccination rates. These decreases are likely related to the increasing rates of misinformation and disinformation surrounding immunizations. The impact of declining immunization rates is already being felt, as evidenced by the highest number of measles cases reported in more than 30 years. Pharmacists are in a key position to provide evidence-based recommendations and information to the public. As such, the Pediatric Pharmacy Association believes in the importance of ensuring pharmacists' continued access to reliable, evidence-based resources for professional reference and patient education, enabling effective communication and promoting informed decision-making about immunizations and the diseases they prevent.