“For paediatricians there is no difference between compulsory and recommended vaccinations. For compulsory vaccines there is certainly tighter control, because obviously they are the ones that give the child the possibility of not having social limitations, such as going to school. Vaccinations those with the most important impact are recommended because they protect against serious diseases, perhaps not such accidents, but very intricate ones. This is why their governance is recommended”. Thus Giannamaria Vallefuoco,regional secretary of Fimp Campania and pediatrician of free choice of ASL Napoli Nord,on the sidelines of the ‘Vaccination Mission’ conference held in Naples,which focused attention on the current state of vaccinations in the region,highlighting the importance of vaccination coverage for children’s health and the role of the pediatrician to combat misinformation and promote trust in vaccines.
Vaccination against meningitis is a basic issue for public health: “There are several vaccines that protect against various types of meningitis, sometimes fatal. We must therefore not lose the possibility of protecting children from this very serious pathology which occurs in Italy every year deaths. We must therefore not miss the possibility to join the vaccination campaigns”, underlined Vallefuoco. “The pediatrician has a fundamental role – he remarked – first of all because he is a figure chosen by the family and therefore there is a relationship of trust. Moreover,he plays a social role as he teaches parents to respect their child’s health,preventing illnesses through vaccination practices. Then there is another aspect which is that of family education which has a crucial role in training future adults in a healthy lifestyle, such as through sport and nutrition”.
a message to parents: “We must have faith in science in relation to vaccinations, as they are the result of years of research and rigorous clinical studies; just look at what happened with the vaccination against the Papillomavirus responsible for cervical cancer As pediatricians we hope to do more and more to protect children and future adults”, concluded Vallefuoco.
– How can parents address vaccine misinformation effectively?
Interview with Dr.Giannamaria Vallefuoco: The Importance of Vaccinations for Children’s Health
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. vallefuoco, for joining us today.As a pediatrician adn the regional secretary of Fimp Campania, can you explain the fundamental differences—or lack thereof—between compulsory and recommended vaccinations?
Dr. Vallefuoco: Thank you for having me. For pediatricians, there is essentially no distinction between compulsory and recommended vaccinations.Compulsory vaccines certainly come with stricter regulations since they are crucial for children to participate fully in society, such as attending school. However, recommended vaccines are also vital. They protect against serious, often complex diseases that aren’t just minor infections. Thus, governance surrounding these vaccinations is very important.
Time.news Editor: That’s insightful. How do vaccinations specifically impact public health, particularly in relation to diseases like meningitis?
Dr.Vallefuoco: Vaccination against meningitis is a critical issue for public health. There are several vaccines available that guard against various forms of meningitis, some of which can be fatal. It’s imperative that we do not overlook the opportunity to protect our children from this severe condition,which has unfortunately led to deaths in Italy each year. Active participation in vaccination campaigns is essential to mitigate these risks.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the vital role pediatricians play in this context. Can you elaborate on how pediatricians contribute to promoting vaccine confidence among families?
Dr. Vallefuoco: Absolutely. Pediatricians hold a unique position chosen by families, establishing a relationship built on trust.we have a dual role: firstly, we provide essential education on health practices, including vaccinations; secondly, we engage in family education, which is crucial for fostering a healthy lifestyle. This encompasses not just vaccinations, but also guidance on nutrition and physical activity, which are key to preventing illness.
Time.news Editor: Misinformation surrounding vaccines is a significant issue today. What message would you like to convey to parents regarding vaccines?
Dr. Vallefuoco: I urge parents to have faith in science when it comes to vaccinations. vaccines are the culmination of years of rigorous research and clinical trials. For instance, take the vaccine for the papillomavirus, which is linked to cervical cancer; its growth is a prime example of how vaccines work towards long-term health benefits. As pediatricians, our goal is to continually protect children and help them grow into healthy adults.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Vallefuoco, for sharing your insights on this crucial topic in children’s health and vaccination coverage. Your expertise highlights the importance of both compulsory and recommended vaccinations in safeguarding public health.
Dr. Vallefuoco: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this vital issue. The promotion of vaccines is essential, and the role of pediatricians in combating misinformation cannot be overstated.
Time.news Editor: We look forward to seeing more progress in vaccination coverage and public awareness!