COVID-19
General Pediatrics
Health Services Research
Immunizations/Delivery
Annika Hofstetter, MD, PhD, MPH (she/her/hers)
Associate Professor
Pediatrics
University of Washington/Seattle Children's Hospital
Seattle, Washington, United States
Elizabeth Williams, MD, MPH
Assistant Professor
Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt
nashville, Tennessee, United States
Many of us chose to work in the field of immunizations because of its fundamental importance for children and community health – something that should lack any controversy (an advantage for those of us who are conflict averse). Who would have guessed the level of controversy now stirred by these medical marvels of prevention? In this inaugural session of the Immunization SIG, two speakers of renown will address sizzling hot topics:
• Mandatory vaccination: For better or worse? Dr. Doug Opel (Seattle Children’s) will discuss key elements to consider as state legislators and public health officials make decisions about school-requirements for COVID-19 vaccination. Specifically, he will walk us through an assessment of the appropriateness of requiring a COVID-19 vaccine for children to attend K-12 school.
• What’s truth got to do with it? Dr. Kathryn Edwards (Vanderbilt University) will review important legal considerations for pediatric clinicians, including how to best prepare and testify as an expert during vaccine-related litigation.
SIG Speaker: Annika M. Hofstetter, MD, PhD, MPH – University of Washington / Seattle Children's Research Institute
SIG Speaker: Douglas J. Opel, MD, MPH – University of Washington School of Medicine
SIG Speaker: Kathryn M. Edwards, MD – Vanderbilt University Medical Center
SIG Speaker: Sarah E. Williams, MD, MPH – Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt