Vaccine News & Notes — December 2021

Two new videos discuss vaccine questions related to autoimmunity and breastfeeding

VEC Director, Dr. Paul Offit, recently met with pediatricians to discuss vaccine questions they commonly receive as part of a new video series, called “Vaccine Conversations.”

Vaccines and autoimmunity

Dr. Zachary Rubin is a pediatric allergist and immunologist who practices in the suburbs of Chicago. During their conversation, Drs. Rubin and Offit discussed:

• Potential for long-term side effects following vaccination
• Development of autoimmune conditions following vaccination
• Vaccine dosing and body weight

Dr. Rubin can be found on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter @rubin_allergy and on YouTube at https://bit.ly/3qZa9ky.

Vaccines and breastfeeding

Dr. Amna Husain is a board-certified pediatrician and lactation consultant who practices in New Jersey. During their conversation, Drs. Husain and Offit discussed:

• Delaying vaccination when breastfeeding
• Whether pregnant or breastfeeding women should get the influenza (flu) vaccine
• The different kinds of antibodies that babies get through the placenta and breast milk
• Whether antibodies in breast milk interfere with vaccine responses

Dr. Husain can be found on Instagram and TikTok @dr.amnahusain and on YouTube at DrAmnaHusain.

Watch for more videos in the "Vaccine Conversations" series on the VEC website or on YouTube.

Happy holidays!

The Vaccine Education Center team would like to wish you and yours a safe and happy holiday season. We are grateful for your continued support of our efforts, and we look forward to continuing to answer your vaccine-related questions and bring you the latest science-based vaccine information in 2022!