Amid continuing outbreaks of preventable illnesses, the American Osteopathic Association reiterated its support for CDC vaccination protocols and cited the importance of a fully vaccinated population on the public health of the nation.
Osteopathic physicians (DOs) are trained to prevent illness and vaccinations are the safest, most effective interventions available to achieve that goal, said Robert Juhasz, DO, president of the American Osteopathic Association.
"People should fear polio, not the vaccine that eradicated it, yet misplaced fear is causing a resurgence of diseases that were once relegated to the history books," Dr. Juhasz said. "The science is clear and unwavering--vaccines prevent disease and save lives. Vaccination is a public health imperative."
Recently, the association urged the public to become familiar with the hallmark signs of these classic diseases to help contain outbreaks. A simple reference is available to help patients quickly recognize the hallmark symptoms of outbreak illnesses. Visit osteopathic.org/classicillnesses for additional information.
Anyone with symptoms of measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox and whooping cough is urged to contact their physician and remain isolated to avoid infecting others. Infants younger than 12 months and some people with compromised immune systems cannot be vaccinated and are highly vulnerable to these illnesses.
The American Osteopathic Association policy on vaccination was passed in 1993 and was most recently reaffirmed in 2013.
Annual COVID-19 vaccine proves to be a wise investment for personal health and pocketbook