FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020

Statement attributable to:
Ada D. Stewart, MD
President
American Academy of Family Physicians

“Today we celebrate new hope for an end to this pandemic as the first COVID-19 vaccine enters the market. The American Academy of Family Physicians commends the researchers and scientists who have worked determinedly to develop safe and effective vaccines that will decrease COVID-related illness and suffering in the U.S. and around the world.

We also commend the U.S. Federal Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for their ongoing, cautious due diligence in evaluating the science, evidence, safety and efficacy of the vaccines.

While broad distribution plans and timing are being determined, family physicians stand ready to serve as partners in vaccine education, distribution and administration. We will work to ensure all people in the U.S. can be vaccinated, especially those populations who have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19.

Vaccines are safe, effective, and they save lives. That is why the AAFP has long been committed to reducing vaccine hesitancy through highlighting that immunizations are a selfless act of prevention that help the broader community. Family physicians trust the science of vaccines, and we encourage our patients to learn more about vaccines and how getting vaccinated builds a community of immunity at familydoctor.org/vaccines.

While hope is on the horizon, it remains critical that we all continue to practice mask wearing, handwashing and social distancing. Working together with renewed determination, we are confident our nation will begin to heal from this pandemic in the foreseeable future.”

Editor's Note: To arrange an interview with Dr. Stewart, contact Janelle Davis, (913) 912-0377, or jdavis@aafp.org.

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