One of the things that I do on a regular basis is to read at least 3 medical journals. Some of these journals are monthly but one, The New England Journal of Medicine, is a weekly publication. This journal is standard reading for most physicians in the medical specialties. The information in this medical journal helps to educate and guide many of us in what we recommend and how we treat patients. Having said this let me get to the point. For over 60 years, the Advisory committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) advised the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on vaccine recommendations. The ACIP was a diverse group of nonpartisan specialists. The government has changed vaccine policy. The process of recommending vaccines in the US has undergone a significant disruption. This is particularly concerning to me since we are now entering into the fall and winter season, and patients will be asking about what to do about vaccines. What information may come out in the media from the current CDC may be of variance with what good medical practice may provide. This is not a partisan comment but now patients may need to choose between what they read or hear or what their physician may advise. My advice, at the moment, is to consider the flu and any new Covid vaccine. Prevention is worth a pound of cure. I wish I had said that originally, but it was Ben Franklin. It still applies today.
People also viewed
