Indianapolis Star
Letter to the Editor
To the Editor:
The Jan. 27 story "Adult vaccine programs need a shot in the arm" is a great reminder of the need for national efforts to get more patients vaccinated. Every year thousands of American adults die from diseases that vaccines can prevent, representing a significant human toll and placing an economic burden on America's health care system. Immunization is one of the most effective preventive measures patients can take to preserve their health, yet the Centers for Disease Control report adult immunizations remain low.
The American Medical Association encourages physicians to remind their patients about the important health benefits of the CDC-recommended vaccines that can protect against 15 diseases, and offer these vaccines in their practices. Most patients look to their doctors for immunization advice: The CDC reports that 87 percent of patients said they are more likely to get a vaccine if their physician recommends it.
Vaccines are one of the most successful public health interventions and have acted to prevent and even eradicate diseases. Let's work together to get more Americans immunized and better protect the health of future generations.
Sincerely,
Ronald M. Davis, MD
President, American Medical Association
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