By: Benjamin Hoffman, MD, FAAP, president
“The nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to be Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) offers an important opportunity to share the settled science on vaccines with government leaders, policymakers and the American public. This is a conversation pediatricians have every day with families, and we welcome the chance to do the same with national leaders.
“Vaccines have been an invaluable part of the fabric of our society for decades and are one of the most significant medical innovations of our time. When everyone can access the recommended immunizations, we can stop preventable diseases from spreading in our communities. Vaccines are the safest and most cost-effective way to protect children, families and communities from disease, disability and death. Continuing national investment in vaccine access is absolutely essential to support healthy communities.
“Vaccinations prepare children’s immune systems to recognize and respond to serious diseases, helping them stay healthy so they can learn, grow and thrive. Immunization prepares children for long-term health, well-being and development into adulthood.
“HHS oversees programs and implements policies that are so important to infants, children and adolescents, from Medicaid to child welfare to immunizations. Nearly half of all children in the United States rely on Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program for their health care, making this process and the policies that flow from HHS leadership critical to children across the country.
“HHS’s motto is ‘Improving the health, safety, and well-being of America.’ This is a tall order, but a crucial and achievable one. As pediatricians, we firmly believe the most effective way for HHS to ensure the future health of our nation is to protect and support the health of our children: by ensuring that science continues to underpin all decision-making, policies and programs.”
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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.