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California vaccination wars at the Capitol in Sacramento

Lack of faith in scientific consensus is a sad but permanent feature of our social media-driven world. Paranoia is an effective business model. Parents who oppose vaccines are not stupid; in fact, they are often surprisingly well-educated, considering the pseudoscience and unfounded claims they are willing to embrace. It should come as no surprise, then, that many have found a way around the law, which still allows for medically necessary exemptions. Read more here. Reprinted from Los Angeles Times by Robin Abcarian Photo courtesy of Rich Pedroncelli/Associated Press

Extension of Influenza Season and Healthcare Worker Influenza Vaccination Order in San Bernardino County

Due to elevated and widespread influenza activity within San Bernardino County and surrounding areas, Dr. Maxwell Ohikhuare, Health Officer, has ordered an extension of the influenza season period to the newly defined date of April 30, 2019. Influenza activity is widespread throughout California and Statewide outpatient Influenza-like illness (ILI) hospitalizations remain above the expected levels. Although A(H1N1) viruses continue to circulate and remain predominant for the season overall, influenza A(H3N2) viruses have been identified more frequently than A(H1N1) viruses in recent weeks. In the past, A(H3N2) virus-predominant influenza seasons have ...

Public Health Officer urges county residents to get the flu shot

The Public Health Officer is strongly encouraging County residents to get the flu shot. Initial influenza reports have sharply increased nearly 300% in the last week, going from 38 reports to 150 reports.  Within the last two weeks, the County has also confirmed three (3) flu-related deaths. “These deaths are a reminder that the flu can be serious and sometimes deadly,” said Dr. Maxwell Ohikhuare, Health Officer. “Flu shots are the most effective protection from the flu, and it’s not too late to get one.”  In light of the recent sharp ...

August is National Immunization Awareness Month; talk to your patients about the importance of vaccination

August marks National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), a national effort to promote vaccinations and protect children and adults from serious, and sometimes deadly, preventable diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), immunizations are one of the top 10 public health accomplishments of the 20th century. Among children born between 1994-2013, vaccination will prevent an estimated 322 million illnesses, 21 million hospitalizations and 732,000 deaths over the course of their lifetimes. As part of this important effort, the California Medical Association (CMA) and its county medical societies ...

Coalition partners stand together to thank Legislature, Governor Brown for passing and signing Senate Bill 277

Representing tens of thousands of advocates across the state, doctors, parents, school representatives join in Sacramento for one final rally on SB 277. Sacramento – Despite three-digit temperatures, dozens of coalition partners came together to rally one last time for Senate Bill 277 (Pan/Allen). The bill passed out of the State Assembly on Thursday and cleared the final hurdle in the State Senate Monday. Governor Brown signed the bill today. “This is a monumental day for Californians. Senate Bill 277 will help keep kids and communities safe and I thank ...

Senate Bill 277 clears Senate Judiciary Committee

Sacramento – Senate Bill 277 (Pan/Allen) passed overwhelmingly out of the Senate Judiciary Committee today. The California Medical Association (CMA), American Academy of Pediatrics, California (AAPCA), California Immunization Coalition (CIC), Vaccinate California and Health Officers Association of California (HOAC) recently launched the I Heart Immunity Campaign supporting the bill. “Our thanks to the Senate Judiciary Committee along with Senators Pan and Allen for their commitment to this very important issue,” said Luther F. Cobb, M.D., CMA president. “Vaccines are a proven way to keep children healthy and communities safe ...