Podcast: How much are polls misrepresenting Americans?

One of the greatest public health advancements for children in the United States and across the globe is the development of vaccines to save lives. When I was a child, my parents were grateful to have me and my brothers participate in early polio trials as the disease raged in neighborhoods. As a mother and grandmother, I have welcomed the advances that kept my children and now my grandchildren healthier. I knew my children were safer when they entered school because health policies were in place to protect everyone. As Secretary of HHS, I oversaw an effort to develop a vaccine and mobilize that vaccination effort against H1N1. This flu strain was lethal to children and young adults in 2009 and 2010 and was the first pandemic the US had experienced in 70 years. So I have personal and professional experience throughout my life with beneficial vaccines.

As the Secretary of HHS for five and a half years, I learned a lot dealing with public health officials and leading responses to outbreaks of unknown origin. I also learned the importance of using credible, consistent information that is based on reliable science to quell fears and prepare the public for group response. The people’s confidence in a trustworthy information environment is a foundation of our democracy and is also critical to our public health.