Press Releases

Do Vaccines Cause Autism, Asthma, and Diabetes?

jbetts — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:22:08 +0000

New Book Helps Parents Weigh the Evidence

June 11, 2008

Almost 70% of parents who refuse to vaccinate their children do so because they believe vaccines may cause harm. Indeed vaccines have been blamed for causing asthma, autism, diabetes, and many other conditions—most of which have causes that are incompletely understood. Some parents believe that vaccines can “overwhelm the immune system.

NNii Media Advisory about NEJM’s Article on Thimerosal Exposure and Neuropsychological Outcomes

jbetts — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:22:10 +0000

September 26, 2007

The article by Thompson and colleagues, Early Thimerosal Exposure and Neuropsychological Outcomes at 7 to 10 Years, published this week in the New England Journal of Medicine, should reassure parents who received immune globulin during pregnancy or whose children received thimerosal-containing vaccines as infants.

New Vaccines to Prevent Cervical Cancer

jbetts — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:22:10 +0000

A Web-based news conference

May 16, 2006

On Tuesday, May 23, from 1 to 2 pm EDT, the National Network for Immunization Information and the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston will co-host a telebriefing about genital human papillomavirus infections and the HPV vaccines, expected to be approved by the FDA soon. Certain HPVs cause cervical as well as other cancers. Reporters may participate in the teleconference from their office or home computers and either email or phone their questions to experts. Experts on all aspects of the vaccine, including one of the inventors, will be available for Q&A.

NNii Offers Scientific View on Thimerosal and Vaccines

jbetts — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:22:11 +0000

April 26, 2006

The National Network for Immunization Information (NNii) offers the following perspective for those who continue to have questions about thimerosal, a preservative formerly used in most vaccines:

NNii Publishes New Booklet on How to Evaluate Information about Vaccines on the Internet

jbetts — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:22:11 +0000

May 24, 2005

Contradictory information about immunizations on the Internet may cause confusion in parents considering immunizations for their children. For this reason, the National Network for Immunization Information (NNii) has published a new 16-page booklet that provides tips on how to find reliable information on the Internet about vaccines and how to evaluate the accuracy and validity of this type of information.

NNii Media Advisory about “Evidence of Harm: Mercury in Vaccines and the Autism Epidemic: A Medical Controversy” by David Kirby

jbetts — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:22:10 +0000

April 1, 2005

Reporter David Kirby has recently written a book, “Evidence of Harm: Mercury in Vaccines and the Autism Epidemic: A Medical Controversy,” purporting that there is a link between thimerosal and autism and other developmental disorders. This book (for release in April, 2005-St. Martin’s Press) is being marketed aggressively. Publicity surrounding the release of this book has the potential to confuse families who are asking appropriate questions about vaccine safety. The National Network for Immunization Information (NNii) offers the following perspective:

NNii Statement on Influenza Vaccine Shortage

jbetts — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:22:11 +0000

October 6, 2004

The following statement can be attributed to Martin G. Myers, MD, Executive Director of the National Network for Immunization Information (NNii):

On average, influenza causes approximately 36,000 deaths and 200,000 hospitalizations each year in the United States. More than 90% of influenza-related deaths are in people aged 65 years or older, although during the 2003-2004 influenza season, there were 152 influenza-related deaths in chldren. Also, many of those hospitalized are children aged 6 to 23 months.

NNii Statement on New Thimerosal Study

jbetts — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:22:11 +0000

June 9, 2004

The following statement can be attributed to Martin G. Myers, MD, executive director of the National Network for Immunization Information (NNii):

This week, the journal Molecular Psychiatry published a study by researchers at Columbia University on the neurotoxic effects on mice of thimerosal,1 a mercury derivative that has been used as a preservative in vaccines.

1. M Hornig, D Chian, W. I. Lipkin. Neurotoxic effects of postnatal thimerosal are mouse strain-dependent. Molecular Psychiatry 2004 Volume 9, advance on line publication.

Texas Nonprofit Corporation Launches Vaccine Information Service

jbetts — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:22:12 +0000

February 25, 2004

Galveston, TX.—Immunizations for the Public Health (I4PH), a new Texas-based nonprofit corporation, has been created to provide information about vaccines to those who need it.

National Survey Finds Nurses Lack Critical Knowledge About Smallpox Vaccination

jbetts — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:22:09 +0000

Majority of Nurses Support President's Smallpox Vaccination Plan, but Survey Findings Uncover Need for Immediate Education Plan

January 23, 2003

Alexandria, VA—Nurses and other health care personnel figure prominently in the current federal government plan to reintroduce smallpox vaccine in the United States, yet most nurses lack critical knowledge about when the vaccine can be administered, according to the results of a national survey conducted by the National Network for Immunization Information (NNii) and released today.

New Study Shows No Link Between MMR Vaccine and Autism

jbetts — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:22:09 +0000

Parents Can Be Assured that Vaccinations for Kids Are Not Only Effective, but Safe

November 7, 2002

A new study in the November 7th New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) concludes that there is no association between the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism. The comprehensive study adds to the significant body of evidence showing that the MMR vaccine does not cause autism in children and makes any possible connection between the two extremely remote.

National Network for Immunization Information Awarded $850,000 in Grants

jbetts — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:09:32 +0000

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Children’s Vaccine Program at PATH Will Support Scientifically Sound Information on Vaccines

April 4, 2002

Alexandria, VA – (April 4, 2002) – The National Network for Immunization Information (NNii) announced today that it has been awarded two grants—$750,000 from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and $100,000 from the Seattle-based Children’s Vaccine Program at PATH (Program for Appropriate Technology in Health)—in support of communication and education programs on vaccines.

Many Children Still Develop Life-Threatening, Preventable Diseases

jbetts — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:13:51 +0000

A major new immunization initiative has been launched by the AAP, one of NNii's partner organizations.

October 1, 2001

American Academy of Pediatrics, Wal-Mart, Pampers Parenting Institute Team up to Educate Parents on the Importance of Immunizing Children

For Release: September 25th, 2001

Media Advisory

jbetts — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:15:48 +0000

Editorial by NNii Executive Director and Steering Committee member published in the New England Journal of Medicine

February 1, 2001

Who: National Network for Immunization Information (NNii) Bruce G. Gellin, MD, MPH, Executive Director William Schaffner, MD, Steering Committee member Drs. Gellin and Schaffner are members of the Department of Preventative Medicine at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN

What: ‘The Risk of Vaccination — The Importance of ‘Negative’ Studies” An editorial in the February 1, 2001 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine.

National Network for Immunization Information Launches with Resources for Health Care Clinicians, Parents, and Legislators

jbetts — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:17:54 +0000

Article in November 2000 Pediatrics Highlights the Need for Better Information on Immunization

October 30, 2000

Chicago, IL - A new organization is being launched today - the National Network for Immunization Information (NNii). NNii was formed to meet the pressing need for timely, accurate, clear, objective information on immunization issues, a problem outlined in an article in the November issue of Pediatrics, Do Parents Understand Immunization? co-authored by NNii Executive Director, Bruce G. Gellin, M.D., M.P.H.

Media Advisory

jbetts — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:22:59 +0000

Launch of the National Network for Immunization Information (NNii)

October 30, 2000

View the launch press conference online.

The launch includes:

American Nurses Association Adopts Resolution To Help End Important Misconceptions About Immunization

jbetts — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:24:19 +0000

June 30, 2000

INDIANAPOLIS, IN- At the American Nurses Association (ANA) convention in Indianapolis, IN (June 23rd-28th), 600 nurses recently affirmed their commitment to ensuring that health care providers and patients get the most up-to-date, scientifically accurate information about immunizations. On Wednesday, June 28th, the ANA’s House of Delegates voted to pass an official resolution in support of its partnership with the National Network for Immunization Information (NNii) and continually improving communication practices on immunization-related issues.

Misperceptions About Value of Vaccines May Lead Parents to Question Their Use

jbetts — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:25:48 +0000

June 1, 2000

WASHINGTON, D.C. — At an American Medical Association media briefing on infectious diseases here today, Bruce Gellin, M.D., MPH, warned that the U.S. immunization program is at risk of becoming a victim of its own success. An alarmingly high percentage of parents hold misperceptions about the value and safety of vaccines, which may lead them to refuse some or all immunizations for their children. Even a small drop in the immunization rate may lead to a resurgence of infectious diseases that are currently nearly eliminated from the U.S.

Vaccines and Infectious Diseases: Putting Risk into Perspective

jbetts — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:27:15 +0000

American Medical Association Briefing on Microbial Threats, National Press Club Washington, DC

June 1, 2000

Remarks by Bruce Gellin, MD, MPH Executive Director National Network for Immunization Information

Hepatitis B Vaccine Use Supported

jbetts — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:28:46 +0000

Vaccine Safe and Prevents Potentially Deadly Infection

May 18, 2000

Washington, D.C., May 18: A coalition of groups dedicated to the protection of the health of children and families today voiced their support for use of the hepatitis B vaccine. Their statement was made in response to a Congressional hearing held today by the House of Representatives Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy, and Human Resources, a subcommittee of the Committee on Government Reform.

Hepatitis B Vaccine Use Endorsed

jbetts — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:30:18 +0000

Vaccine is Safe and Effective

January 14, 2000

Washington, D.C., January 14: A coalition of groups dedicated to the protection of the health of children and families today re-affirmed their support for use of the hepatitis B vaccine. The action was taken in response to a segment on last night’s edition of the ABC newsmagazine 20/20, (which alleged that the vaccine is a cause of multiple sclerosis (MS) and should not be given to infants.)

Health Professionals Urge Parents, Policy-Makers Not to Lose Sight of Immunization’s Successes

jbetts — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:32:23 +0000

Evidence Disproving Link Between Vaccine and Autism Submitted to April 4 Congressional Hearing

April 4, 1999

As the U.S. prepares to commemorate National Infant Immunization Week (April 16-22), health professionals are urging parents and doctors to ensure that all children are protected by immunizations. The scientific evidence shows that immunizations are one of the most important things parents can do to protect their children from serious infectious diseases, according to the National Network for Immunization Information (NNii).