July 2025 "Improving Child Health in RI" Meeting Highlights Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

In July, CTC-RI's Patricia Flangan, MD and Elizabeth Lange, MD hosted the "Improving Child Health in RI" meeting focused on vaccine-preventable diseases and vaccine hesitancy with a presentation by Michael Koster, MD FAAP. Dr. Koster is the Director of the Division of Pediatric Infectious diseases at Hasbro Children’s, and an Associate Professor of Pediatrics (Clinician Educator) at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.

Dr. Koster delivered a comprehensive presentation on the clinical signs and symptoms of measles, varicella, and pertussis, and the resurgence of these diseases in recent years. The discussion covered the importance of vaccination, the challenges of vaccine misinformation and hesitancy, and strategies for healthcare providers to effectively communicate about vaccines with parents. Immunization resources from the RIDOH, AAP, CDC (and more) were shared. 

We extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Michael Koster for his engaging and insightful presentation. His expertise and commitment to improving pediatric infectious disease education were invaluable to our discussion on vaccine-preventable diseases and vaccine confidence.

To listen to the recording and access resources, please visit this link: July 10 2025 Improving Child Health Meeting - Vaccine Vilification & the Resurgence of Preventable Diseases