Clinicians Use Alternatives as Government Resources Shrink

Following the removal of some types of medical data from government websites, the reduction of public information campaigns on hot topics such as vaccination, and new limitations on the publication of current and in-progress scientific research, other sources are emerging to fill the gaps.

“The removal of critical data from the CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]’s website poses significant challenges for clinicians, as it limits our access to up-to-date recommendations on managing infectious diseases, public health threats, essential preventive care, and chronic conditions,” said David M. Higgins, MD, a pediatrician and preventive medicine specialist at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, in an interview.

“This loss of readily available information undermines patient care, complicates research efforts, and weakens our ability to respond effectively to public health emergencies,” he said.

“Considering these challenges and growing concerns about the credibility of CDC vaccine resources and messaging, many clinicians, including myself, have turned to alternative sources for reliable, evidence-based information,” Higgins said.

These sources include the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American College of Physicians (ACP), and Immunize.org, Higgins told Medscape Medical News. “These organizations continue to provide trusted guidance to support clinical decision-making and public health efforts about vaccines,” he said.

In February, the JAMA Network of journals announced its intention to continue to support clinicians in their research. The American Medical Association (AMA) published an opinion editorial in JAMA titled “Reaffirming the JAMA Network commitment to the health of patients and the public” in the wake of executive orders and restructuring of government agencies that have extended to medical science and healthcare.

Medscape Medical News summarized the op-ed in a previous story.

Measles Vaccination Urged

In March, the AMA issued a statement encouraging the public to get vaccinated against measles in advance of spring travel.

“With measles outbreaks occurring in multiple states and spring break travel approaching, the AMA urges everyone who isn’t already vaccinated to get themselves and their families vaccinated against measles now,” AMA president Bruce A. Scott, MD, said in a statement.

“Vaccination not only prevents infection, measles-related complications, and even death, but also helps prevent further spread to loved ones, neighbors, coworkers, and others in close contact. When immunization rates are high, people who cannot be protected directly by vaccines are protected because they are not exposed to the disease,” Scott said.

Other medical organizations are actively providing resources for clinicians and advocating for public health and vaccination, including the AAP, AAFP, ACP, Infectious Diseases Society of America, National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, and Immunize.org, Higgins told Medscape Medical News. “These groups play a crucial role in disseminating accurate information and countering vaccine misinformation,” he said.

More Research Funds in Doubt

Also in March, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) was ordered to cut funding for research on vaccine hesitancy, among other research, according to a report in the journal Science based on information from individuals familiar with the matter.

“With the NIH cutting funding for vaccine confidence research, researchers must explore alternative funding sources,” said Higgins, who also conducts research with the Adult & Child Center for Outcomes Research & Delivery Science at the University of Colorado.

“Vaccine manufacturers may fund their own studies, but industry-backed research raises valid concerns about bias and conflicts of interest,” Higgins told Medscape Medical News. “To maintain scientific integrity, researchers must seek funding from independent sources, including private foundations, nonprofits, academic institutions, and state-funded grants. For clinical practice, this shift reinforces the need for clinicians to remain well informed, engage in continuous education, and use evidence-based communication strategies to address vaccine hesitancy effectively,” he said.

AMA Maintains Mission to Inform

“The AMA has always been committed to disseminating public health information to both physicians and the public, including using its communications channels to urge the public to get vaccinated and take public health precautions,” an AMA spokesperson told Medscape Medical News.

These resources range from the studies in the organization’s family of journals to regular webinars for physicians and other healthcare professionals and weekly public health updates through the AMA’s Update video series.

“The AMA will continue to provide physicians and the public with the latest resources and information available to prevent the spread and negative health impacts of infectious diseases and help keep people safe and healthy,” the AMA spokesperson said.

The AMA spokesperson shared several of AMA’s public health resources for physicians and the public related to current hot topics:

In a previous story, Medscape Medical News also compiled a list of archived medical information including general practice guidelines and also information on topics without current and accessible information on government sites including HIV and infectious disease, women’s health and contraception, and minority health.

Higgins had no financial conflicts to disclose.