AMA to Lexington Herald-Leader: More adults need to obtain vaccines' protection
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Letter to the Editor
To the Editor:
"Too Few Adults Getting Vaccines" is a great reminder of the need for national efforts to get more patients vaccinated.
Every year thousands of American adults die of 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 U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 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 to 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 it's recommended by their physician.
America's patients need to take advantage of the health benefits afforded by these vaccines. We urge patients to talk to their doctors about any vaccination concerns and about how vaccines can protect them against influenza, cervical cancer, shingles, whooping cough and many other diseases.
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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