As the temperatures drop and Americans spend more time together in close quarters over the holidays, the AMA is stepping up its efforts to give patients and doctors the resources they need to understand the safety and efficacy of vaccines and have productive conversations about immunization.

The work comes amid a reported measles outbreak in South Carolina, the influenza and respiratory-virus season, and actions on the hepatitis B vaccine taken by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Given the increase in conflicting information about vaccines, it is understandable that some patients may be confused about how to keep their families and themselves healthy.

“With a recent poll showing that Americans are likelier to trust the AMA than the CDC on vaccines, we are working to give patients the reliable answers they need to help protect themselves and their families from preventable diseases,” said AMA CEO and Executive Vice President John Whyte, MD, MPH. “There’s a lot of information out there on this vitally important issue and not all of it is accurate. Who is doing the talking matters. The bottom line is this: If you have questions about vaccines, talk with your physician.”

My latest for the AMA. Read the whole shebang.