Chief, Section of Infectious Diseases and the Henle Professor of Immunologic and Infectious Diseases at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Last year saw the largest outbreak of measles cases in recent times. This year, the public braces for an onslaught of the H1N1 influenza virus. As a growing number of people opt out of immunizations, some herd immunity is lost. This puts the general population – particularly those who cannot receive immunizations – at higher risk of developing preventable diseases. This program examines the benefits of health care worker and child immunization while addressing myths that may lead an individual to avoid vaccination. Program Objectives After watching this broadcast participants will be able to: o Explain the major benefits of immunization and herd immunity. o Name two vaccine-preventable diseases that have affected children in recent years. o Explain the argument that rejects thermisol as an autism-inducing agent. Originally broadcast October 15, 2009