Immunizations are a key component of childhood health and wellness and are a primary reason why parents today live with much less anxiety and fear when their children experience an infection. RSV is a recent primary example with the new immunization preventing over 90% of hospitalizations for those children that received the immunization but still experienced infection or illness.  Misinformation and disinformation of immunizations online has been attributed to a decrease in vaccine confidence; however, studies show that vaccine confidence rates have remained steady and are consistent with pre-pandemic levels. 

MTAAP has partnered with the Montana Department of Health and Human Services, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Montana Families for Vaccines to address vaccine confidence, specifically in lower confidence areas, to support providers in improving vaccine rates. A CDC confidence consult has been scheduled for the Flathead Valley on May 16th: Register Here. Additionally, Montana Families for Vaccines is providing a social media campaign directed at addressing common myths parents may encounter when looking for information on vaccines online. MTAAP recommends parents look at HealthyChildren.org (AAP’s parenting website) or the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Vaccine Education Center when looking for credible information about childhood immunizations.