FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Nick De Leeuw, Resch Strategies
October 15, 2026 517-575-9564, nick@reschstrategies.com
COLUMBUS, OH – Pediatricians and health care leaders from across Ohio today reminded parents that their offices are open and they’re eager to answer questions, as they urged residents to get vaccinated before the coming holiday season. The latest numbers from the Ohio Department of Health show immunization rates falling and non-medical school waiver rates increasing, and now well above the national average.
Health care leaders organized by the Ohio chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics today offered parents a friendly reminder that vaccines can keep their kids safe, and that their local physician is more than happy to answer any questions they might have about immunizations.
“We know there’s conflicting information out there and we want parents – and everyone in Ohio to know two things; first vaccines are safe and effective, and we’re here to help,” said Bob Frenck, MD, a pediatrician and Medical Director of Immunization Programs for the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatricians. “The doctor’s office is a judgment-free zone. We hope if you do have questions that you ask them. We’ll do our absolute best to answer them, and we’ll do our absolute best to keep you and your children healthy.”
Pediatricians are proud to be trusted community doctors, here to give parents all the facts to keep their children safe. Today they shared 3 things every parent should know about vaccines.
- Vaccines are much, much safer than the diseases themselves;
- Vaccines are effective, preventing serious illness and death even if sickness still occurs; and
- Children need vaccinations even though the diseases have become less common.
“Vaccines work by helping the body identify potential infections, so that your own immune system can fight diseases faster and more effectively when exposed,” said Tiffany Haddad-Azzi, an Ohio pharmacist, and the Manager of Clinical Pharmacy Operations at Buckeye Health Plan. “They go through rigorous, ongoing scrutiny long after clinical trials conclude.”
Even the healthiest child can get sick and even die from what many consider everyday normal illnesses like influenza, chickenpox, and measles.
The U.S. had eliminated measles in 2000, but cases began to spike again in 2019 due to vaccine hesitancy. (per CDC) Ohio experienced a measles outbreak just before the start of this school year.
“Today’s discussion is about the health and safety of Ohio families, and it’s about what makes Ohio the greatest state in the nation, too,” said Eddie Pauline, President and CEO of Ohio Life Sciences. “In Ohio, we research, create, and deploy the cures and treatments that keep us healthy. Our state depends on safe kids, good paying jobs, and a healthy work force. Vaccines deliver.”
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