By Edwin J. Asturias, MD

This editorial appeared in The Denver Post Feb. 5.

Though dormant for years, measles reemerged this year with a vengeance. The first cases erupted in Disneyland before spreading outward, involving 14 states and counting. Now there are 102 confirmed cases, making it the largest measles outbreak since 1990.

This growing epidemic is fueling fierce debate over how to balance public health risks against the rights of increasing numbers of parents choosing not to vaccinate their children. [Read more…]

By Aimee Pugh-Bernard, PhD

In the tenth installment of the Immunology 101 Series, Aimee will explain the science behind the vaccines for influenza.

It’s that time of year again. You guessed it – time to get your annual flu shot! As an immunologist I relish this time of year. The flu shot lets me train my immune system to defend me against the flu virus. I must admit that I call my children’s pediatrician office every year in late August and sign up for the first flu shot clinic available. I make sure that my family will have an immune army built, trained, and ready to defend us long before influenza (aka ‘the flu’) makes it to Denver! I do this because I know that the vaccines for influenza are safe and effective and that illness from the flu is very serious and potentially deadly. As a scientist who has read the literature, I understand that the risk from the flu shot is minimal compared to the danger of becoming sick from the flu.

Most people I encounter who are skeptical about the flu vaccine have the same questions. They often wonder why we need to get a flu shot every year, if the flu shot can actually give you the flu (spoiler alert – no!), and if the flu is even really a serious disease (spoiler alert – yes!).
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By Aimee Pugh-Bernard, PhD

Are the ingredients in vaccines necessary and useful? YES!

All of the ingredients within vaccines are vital and play a role in important things like helping the immune system respond, maintaining the longevity of the vaccine itself, and keeping the vaccine safe from contamination.

In the ninth installment of the Immunology 101 Series, Aimee will explain the science behind the ingredients in vaccines. [Read more…]

By Sean O’Leary, MD, MPH

Many parents think about the shots their baby will get to protect them from diseases as starting at the 2 month checkup, but there is actually a very important vaccination that should be given shortly after a baby is born: the hepatitis B vaccine.

[Read more…]

Flu season is upon us, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend everyone 6 months and older get an annual influenza (flu) vaccine. Whether you’re a loyal taker or just considering getting a flu vaccine for the first time, here are some helpful reminders of why that little shot (or spray) is a good idea. [Read more…]

We love data. And we love it even more in a digestible yet compelling visual. In honor of National Immunization Awareness Month, we’ve compiled a list of our top ten favorite vaccine infographics. Here they are, in no particular order. [Read more…]

By Aimee Pugh-Bernard, PhD

Tenderness and swelling? Good! These mild side effects tell us that the immune system is working.

In the seventh installment of the Immunology 101 Series, Aimee will explain the science behind the side effects of immunization.

Have you ever noticed that soon after you or your child receive an immunization the injection site may appear to be red and slightly swollen? These mild side effects are extremely common and occur not only after injections, but also after cuts or scratches on our skin. Although the injection site may be tender for a day or two, it is important to understand that these side effects are signs that the immune system is working. Redness and swelling tell us that our immune cells are responding to the pathogenic components in the vaccine and have begun training to provide long-lasting protection.

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By Aimee Pugh-Bernard, PhD

In the sixth installment of the Immunology 101 Series, Aimee will explain why the immunization schedule begins at precisely the right time (i.e. starting just after birth) and does not overwhelm the immune system.

Have you ever taken your child to the pediatrician’s office and questioned the number of immunizations recommended per visit?  Maybe you’re concerned that your infant’s immune system is not yet ready to train against a variety of pathogens or that too many vaccines will overwhelm your child’s immune system. Whatever your concerns might be, read on to find out the scientific facts and answers from Aimee. [Read more…]

In light of the recent pertussis (whooping cough) epidemic occurring in Colorado, we asked Dr. Sean O’Leary, a pediatrician and pediatric infectious diseases specialist at Children’s Hospital Colorado, to answer your most commonly asked questions about pertussis. Read on to learn how you can keep your family healthy and protected. [Read more…]