Immunization Newsbriefs (c) Copyright Information Inc., Bethesda, MD. Brought to you by the National Network for Immunization Information (NNii). Visit NNii's new website at http://www.immunizationinfo.org.

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April 5, 2002

U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"National Network for Immunization Information Awarded $850,000 in Grants" AScribe Newswire (www.ascribe.com) (04/04/02)

The National Network for Immunization Information (NNii), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing accurate information about immunizations, recently announced that it has received two grants in support of its education and communication programs on vaccines.  The organization received $100,000 from the Seattle-based Children's Vaccine Program at Program for Appropriate Technology in Health, and $750,000 from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.  The network's education and communication programs are extremely important, as recent research has revealed that up to 25 percent of parents have expressed doubts about the safety of vaccines.  In addition, most health providers in the United States have reported that at least one family in their practice has refused to get one or more generally recommended vaccines over the last 12 months, citing "philosophical" or "safety" issues.  According to Dr. Bruce Gellin, executive director of NNii, "These grants allow NNii to continue to fulfill its mission to improve the immunization dialogue among parents, health care professionals, the media, and policy makers.  NNii serves as an independent and scientifically credible source of information about immunization policies and practices and related issues of vaccine safety and effectiveness."

ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE.  THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.