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Immunization Resources for Media
AAFP resources, policies, news and research to help journalists cover health topics related to immunizations.
Hear from AAFP Leaders and Vaccine Experts:
Video interviews with AAFP President, Dr. Jen Brull, and former AAFP Vaccine Science Fellow Dr. James Bigham discussing the importance of immunization and the role family physicians play in administering vaccines and addressing vaccine hesitancy.
If you would like to set up additional media interviews, please contact Emily Holwick.
For Media Inquiries, Contact
Julie Hirschhorn
Public Relations Manager
jhirschhorn@aafp.org
Emily Holwick
Public Relations Strategist
eholwick@aafp.org
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Family Physicians Sound the Alarm on Threats to Public Health
The American Academy of Family Physicians denounces the collective harm being caused by recent HHS decisions associated with vaccine policy, and we call on Congress to intervene before irreparable damage is done.
AAFP Responds to Removal of Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Members
Changes to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices erodes decades of established processes, discards the expertise of the medical and scientific community, and delays getting lifesaving vaccines to patients.
AAFP Responds to Intended Changes in Immunization Schedule
Intended changes to the recommended immunization schedule for children and pregnant patients circumvents the established process for vaccine review and recommendations and would be a dangerous setback.
Immunizations & Vaccines
The AAFP’s hub for resources, updates and education related to immunizations and vaccines.
Familydoctor.org Vaccine Hub
Familydoctor.org is the AAFP’s patient-facing website that provides health information on a variety of health topics including vaccines. The vaccine hub compiles information on vaccines for all ages from routine childhood immunizations to adult vaccinations and seasonal vaccines like COVID-19 and flu.
Vaccine Myths Versus Facts
There are many common misconceptions regarding vaccines. Use this evidence-based information to clear up any confusion.
Childhood Vaccines: Why Your Child Needs Them
Vaccines are important. They not only help keep children healthy, they help all children by limiting the spread of disease and possibly eliminating serious childhood diseases.
Complete Guide to Flu Vaccines
The best defense we have against the flu is to get a vaccine each year before flu season begins. The AAFP recommends everyone older than 6 months get vaccinated every year.
COVID-19 Health Hub
Information on COVID-19 from symptoms and diagnosis to treatment and prevention for patients of all ages.
Influenza Health Hub
Resources to help patients identify symptoms, learn about the importance of vaccination, know risk factors for severe illness and separate myth from fact when it comes to the flu.
RSV Health Hub
RSV causes serious illness, especially among older patients and infants. Learn about prevention options for different ages, how pregnant patients can protect themselves and their babies and answers to commonly asked questions about RSV.
AAFP Policies: Immunizations
AAFP has longstanding policies regarding cost, access, distribution, coverage, payment and supply of vaccines.
AAFP Policy: Immunization Exemptions
With the exception of policies which allow for exemption from required vaccination for a medical contraindication, the AAFP does not support other immunization exemption policies.
Family physicians are well-equipped to speak to the importance of vaccination and immunizations at every age. See where we’ve been on the record:
The Atlantic (Dr. LaSalle) (7/25)
NYT Vaccine economics (Dr. Stacey Bartell) (7/25)
The U.S. government is creating mass confusion about vaccines | STAT (7/25)
What are the latest COVID vaccine guidelines for this summer? (6/25)
How doctors are preparing for RFK Jr.’s shifts on vaccine policy (6/25)
Avoiding the COVID Shot Talk? Here’s What to Do (6/25)
Measles can be a risk during air travel. Here's how to stay safe. (6/25)
These European Countries Give the Chickenpox Vaccine (5/25)
How do vaccines work? (5/25)
Measles outbreaks raise 'difficult ethical question': Turn away unvaccinated patients? (4/25)
US Measles cases in 2025 surpass last year’s total, health officials warn (3/25)
The Other Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Worrying Doctors Now (3/25)
Do you know which vaccines you got as a child? Here’s how to track them. (3/25)
A Child’s Death From Measles Sounds the Alarm on Vaccine Misinformation (2/25)
6 Vaccine Facts Everyone Should Know (1/25)
Babies get a lot of vaccines quickly. Is it safe to spread them out? (1/25)
Q: Why is it important for patients to receive recommended vaccinations, especially before the school year begins?
A: Every member of the family should be up-to-date on their vaccinations. Immunizations are among the most cost-effective and successful ways to keep ourselves, our families and our communities healthy. When you get vaccinated, you protect yourself and those around you. Your vaccination status impacts those who are unable to get vaccinated, such as infants under 6 months old and those who have weak immune systems.
Q: How do we know that vaccines are safe, especially for young children?
A: Vaccines are rigorously tested before they reach the public and go through extensive research, trials and safety checks led by the FDA. Evan after approval, vaccines are continuously monitored to maintain high safety standards.
A child’s immune system meets thousands of germs every day. Vaccines are a tiny, safe fraction of that. Because of scientific advances, today’s vaccines can protect children from more diseases using fewer antigens.
Q: How do family physicians help ensure everyone receives their recommended vaccinations?
A: Understanding immunization schedules and keeping up with changing vaccine recommendations can be overwhelming, but family physicians can ensure that every member of a family receives the recommended vaccinations. Parents should talk to their family physician about which vaccines are appropriate for their child’s age and grade.
Family physicians are well-equipped to administer vaccines to all members of the family and counsel patients on which vaccines they need and how different vaccines work. Patients trust their family physicians and can rely on them for accurate information and guidance.
Q: How do family physicians address vaccine mis and disinformation and encourage patients to get vaccinated?
A: The spread of false information can undermine safety, put communities at risk and potentially cause patients to forgo treatment rather than follow the guidance of trusted family doctors, scientists and medical experts.
Family physicians can answer questions and address concerns about immunization to help patients understand why they are necessary and to help them make the decision that’s best for their family’s health. They explain that before vaccines are made available to the public, multiple stages of research, testing, and clinical trials take place to make sure they are safe and effective.
Trust in family physicians is steady and strong. According to the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer, 83% of respondents said their doctor remains the most trusted individual when it comes to information on health care.
Q: What barriers impact access to vaccines?
A: Regardless of economic and insurance status, children and adults should have access to all recommended immunizations. Family physicians play an important role in ensuring all members of the community can receive the COVID-19 vaccine, flu vaccine and other routine immunizations that prevent dangerous diseases.
According to the CDC, 24.7 million adults are uninsured, which is an important predictor of low vaccine uptake. Low vaccination rates among adults in racial and ethnic minority groups are even lower for those without health insurance. A lack of health literacy can also create barriers to vaccine access for patients of color, low-income patients, rural patients and patients in underserved areas.
For families living in rural areas, receiving immunizations from an office-based family physician may be the only option. Policies and programs aimed at increasing access to vaccines as well as better coordination of vaccine distribution can help improve vaccine uptake in rural and underserved areas.
For more resources on immunizations, visit the AAFP’s consumer website, https://familydoctor.org.
For more resources, visit the AAFP’s consumer website, https://familydoctor.org.