Recently, the Louisiana Office of the Surgeon General released a new LDH policy regarding immunizations. In conversations with the department, LAFP has been told that vaccines will still be available to patients at Health Fairs and through Parish Health Units. It is not, however, their intention to have events focused solely on vaccine distribution.
As part of the release of the policy, an op-ed piece was also distributed. Its rhetoric is more political and was not well received by a large number of physicians concerned at the continued politicization of medicine.
In working with a number of other specialty society groups, the Physician’s Coalition issued a letter to patients addressing the new policy. The LAFP has also released a statement. Our aim is to insert a new voice into the ongoing conversation. We will also be working with these groups to continue promoting the public health benefits and safety of vaccines. Look for more to come but for now you can read all the above mentioned documents on the LAFP Immunization Resource page, linked below. These documents can be used to share with your colleagues and patients.