YOOtheme
close

Calendar

Events
Toxins in household dust may be harmful to kids
Most of the dust that coats your furniture and floors comes from outdoors and can pose a health threat, a new study suggests.
BPA in canned foods could harm children, group says
Measurable levels of the chemical additive bisphenol A (BPA) were found in a variety of canned goods, including some that claimed to be BPA-free, according to an analysis released this week by the nonprofit advocacy group Consumers Union.
Toxic toys? Health group finds high lead levels
Children's toys carrying the Barbie and Disney logos have turned up with high levels of lead in them, according to a California-based advocacy group — a finding that may give consumers pause as they shop for the holiday season.
PEDIATRICIANS GIVE SOUND ADVICE ON VACCINES
PEDIATRICIANS GIVE SOUND ADVICE ON VACCINES
CHICAGO – In recognition of National Infant Immunization Week (April 25-May 1), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is offering a new resource to parents who have questions about vaccines. A series of audio interviews with pediatricians, infectious disease experts and others are posted at http://www.cispimmunize.org/fam/soundadvice.html

Parents can hear answers to questions such as:

  • Are there toxins in vaccines?
  • Is it better to let your child get chickenpox naturally?
  • What is “herd immunity?”
  • Is the HPV vaccine safe?
  • Do vaccines cause autism?
  • What does the recent decision in vaccine court mean for parents?
  • How dangerous is the flu?
  • Why should infants get the Hepatitis B vaccine?
  • Do babies have natural immunity against diseases?
  • Can too many vaccines overwhelm a child’s immune system?

Experts include AAP President David T. Tayloe, Jr., MD, FAAP, a pediatrician in private practice in Goldsboro, N.C., and President-Elect Judith Palfrey, MD, FAAP, the T. Berry Brazelton Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. Paul Offit, MD, FAAP, inventor of a Rotavirus vaccine, discusses vaccine safety. Meg Fisher, MD, FAAP, chair of the AAP Section on Infectious Diseases, and Joseph Bocchini, MD, FAAP, chair of the AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases, each talk about the diseases that vaccines prevent and the importance of immunization. Ari Brown, MD, FAAP, author of “Baby 411” dispels common vaccine myths. Anna Lincoln, MD, FAAP, tells why parents should feel confident about immunizing their children.

The audio interviews also include a public service announcement by actress Amanda Peet, and an interview with Amy Pisani, executive director of the vaccine advocacy group Every Child By Two. Ken Reibel, a parent of a child with autism and creator of the blog Autism News Beat, discusses why some parents mistakenly blame vaccines for autism and offers advice to parents who are receiving an autism diagnosis.

“The AAP wants parents to have all the information they need to feel confident in their decision to immunize their children,” Dr. Tayloe said. “Pediatricians are here to support parents in making good health care decisions for their children, and vaccines are critical to our efforts to keep our children out of harm’s way.”

The AAP has additional resources about immunization for parents and journalists:

  • Vaccine Studies: Examine the Evidence
  • Facts for Parents About Vaccine Safety  
  • The Vaccine Schedule: Why is it Like That?
  • Questions and Answers About Vaccine Ingredients
  • Vaccines: What Every Parent Should Know
.