AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MICROBIOLOGY
Contact: Carrie Patterson
(202) 942-9389

STUDY SHOWS PARENTS SUPPORT VACCINATIONS
AMONG CONFLICTING INFORMATION

WASHINGTON, DC - December 17, 2005 -- A recent international study has shown that while the majority of parents believe in vaccinating their children, they often receive conflicting information and are sometimes confused about immunizations. The researchers present their findings today at the 45th Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC).

"The last 10 years have seen significant improvements in vaccine technology and today we can protect against many serious childhood diseases," says Fred Zepp of the Pediatric Hospital at the University of Mainz, Germany, an investigator on the study. "The data of the survey show that we still have to improve communication of these achievements and make parents feel more comfortable with their vaccination decisions."

In the study Zepp and colleagues surveyed 6,600 parents in 14 countries/regions worldwide and found that 99% of the babies had received at least one vaccine before their first birthday. Despite the high percentage of babies immunized, the study also noted that parents don't feel involved enough, with 67% wanting more influence on their child's immunizations. Side effects, number of injections, and efficacy are just a few examples of questions that parents would like to be more informed about.

"As pediatricians, it is our common responsibility to proactively provide information on vaccination so that the dialogue becomes not just a matter of 'standard procedure' recommended by the doctor, but rather a well-informed decision taken by the parents."
Known as one of the premier infectious disease meetings in the world, ICAAC, a meeting of the American Society for Microbiology, is a rich source of news including the latest public health research and new drugs. More information on 45th ICAAC, being held this year from December 16-19 in Washington, DC, can be found in the online press kit (English only) at http://www.asm.org/Media/index.asp?bid=38551.
# # #

To Read More News Releases