Abstract

PIP: This article discusses the debate between the media and the public health community over the publication of vaccine safety stories. In general, the contribution of the media to increasing parents' awareness of the dangers of vaccination, which Brian Ward mentioned in his paper, can be seen in a positive light. However, it is noted that in the aftermath of every scare, immunization rates decline substantially. Hence, conflicts between media personnel and public health officials arise. In the view of some media people, stories about problems with vaccines are published because they are news. If a peer-reviewed journal publishes a paper claiming a problem with a vaccine, it is because that information, right or wrong, exists. Others, on the other hand, think the burden rests on the science reporter to make sure that any rare adverse events attributed to vaccines are set fully in context against the risks of the disease and the benefits of vaccines to the population as a whole. Moreover, media people observe that there are potential conflicts for public health officials in their role both as sources of scientific information and as advocates for immunization. Overall, it is suggested that if public health and media alike see themselves as serving the public, then perhaps both should listen and adapt.