Contact:
Julie Hirschhorn
Manager, Public Relations
jhirschhorn@aafp.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 21, 2023
Statement attributable to:
Tochi Iroku-Malize, MD, MPH, FAAFP, president
American Academy of Family Physicians
“The AAFP is optimistic that ACIP voted to approve recommendations for new RSV vaccines, which are intended for adults aged 60 and older, adding a critical frontline of defense for older adults who are at risk for severe disease caused by RSV. Family physicians play a key role in ensuring all members of the community have access to these vaccines and boosters and other routine immunizations that prevent dangerous diseases.
“Family physicians also appreciate that the FDA, CDC and their advisory committees continue to consider how best to protect Americans against COVID-19, the flu, polio, pneumococcal and mpox. The AAFP emphasizes that immunizations are among the safest, most cost-effective and successful ways to keep ourselves, our families and our communities healthy. Being vaccinated isn’t an issue of personal choice—it is an issue of public health.
“Family physicians will continue to serve as trusted partners in vaccine education and administration, and we urge policymakers to ensure patients of all ages can access recommended vaccines from their usual source of primary care. We trust the science of vaccines and encourage patients to talk to their family doctors to learn more about the recommendations and vaccines and how getting vaccinated builds a community of immunity. We look forward to the CDC’s review so we can protect ourselves and our patients against current and future public health threats.”
About American Academy of Family Physicians
Founded in 1947, the AAFP represents 130,000 physicians and medical students nationwide. It is the largest medical society devoted solely to primary care. Family physicians conduct approximately one in five office visits — that’s 192 million visits annually or 48 percent more than the next most visited medical specialty. Today, family physicians provide more care for America’s underserved and rural populations than any other medical specialty. Family medicine’s cornerstone is an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focused on integrated care. To learn more about the specialty of family medicine and the AAFP's positions on issues and clinical care, visit www.aafp.org. For information about health care, health conditions and wellness, please visit the AAFP’s consumer website, www.familydoctor.org.