America’s Leading Physician Groups Unequivocally Support COVID-19 Vaccines
Media contacts:
American Academy of Family Physicians: Julie Hirschhorn | jhirschhorn@aafp.org
American Academy of Pediatrics: Devin Mazziotti | dmazziotti@aap.org
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Kate Connors | kconnors@acog.org
American College of Physicians: Jackie Blaser | jblaser@acponline.org
American Osteopathic Association: Ernst Lamothe | elamonthe@osteopathic.org
American Psychiatric Association: Erin Connors | econnors@psych.org
Washington, D.C. (February 15, 2024) – Our organizations, representing nearly 600,000 physicians, residents and medical students, accept the large body of evidence that makes clear that COVID-19 vaccines are safe, are effective and save lives. We urge members of Congress to acknowledge the overwhelming evidence-based science and recognize how COVID-19 vaccines protect and save millions of lives.
As medical professionals who treat infants, children, adolescents, and adults through the end of life, we actively work to dispel harmful misconceptions about the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as other recommended immunizations. We are trusted sources of information in our communities who counsel our patients on the importance of getting vaccinated against COVID-19.
COVID-19 vaccines are one of the most effective public health tools we have to prevent spread of the virus, hospitalizations and death. All recommended vaccines that are used in the U.S. are subject to rigorous testing, extensive clinical trials and global efforts to measure their success rates.
Amid a harsh respiratory virus season, increasing vaccine confidence and uptake is imperative. Lives depend on it. Unfortunately, we continue to see a concerning decrease in vaccine confidence and an increase in dangerous misinformation that undermines public health.
Now more than ever, we need leaders from health care, government and our communities to come together to encourage vaccination.
###
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.
About the American Academy of Pediatrics
The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. For more information, visit www.aap.org and follow us on Twitter @AmerAcadPeds.
About the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) is the nation’s leading group of physicians providing evidence-based obstetric and gynecologic care. As a private, voluntary, nonprofit membership organization of more than 60,000 members, ACOG strongly advocates for equitable, exceptional, and respectful care for all women and people in need of obstetric and gynecologic care; maintains the highest standards of clinical practice and continuing education of its members; promotes patient education; and increases awareness among its members and the public of the changing issues facing patients and their families and communities. www.acog.org.
About the American College of Physicians
The American College of Physicians is the largest medical specialty organization in the United States with members in more than 145 countries worldwide. ACP membership includes 161,000 internal medicine physicians, related subspecialists, and medical students. Internal medicine physicians are specialists who apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness. Follow ACP on X (formerly Twitter) Instagram, and Facebook.
About the American Osteopathic Association
The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) represents more than 186,000 osteopathic physicians (DOs) and osteopathic medical students; promotes public health; encourages scientific research; and serves as the primary certifying body for DOs. To learn more about DOs and the osteopathic philosophy of medicine, visit www.osteopathic.org.
About the American Psychiatric Association
The American Psychiatric Association, founded in 1844, is the oldest medical association in the country. The APA is also the largest psychiatric association in the world with more than 38,000 physician members specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and research of mental illnesses. APA’s vision is to ensure access to quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. For more information, please visit www.psychiatry.org.