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Medical Expert - Katherine A. Poehling, MD, MPH

Area of Expertise: Pediatric - Epidemiology/Prevention

Media Contact: Marguerite Beck marbeck@wakehealth.edu

Media Office: 336-716-2415 Media Mobile: 336-480-8599

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Katherine A. Poehling, MD, MPH

Associate Professor, Pediatrics

Dr. Poehling has conducted research into vaccine-preventable diseases in children including influenza, pneumonia and whooping cough. She recently demonstrated that maternal influenza vaccination was associated with a 45 to 48 percent reduction in influenza hospitalization among infants too young to receive the flu vaccine. Dr. Poehling is the recipient of the 2008 American Academy of Pediatrics Outstanding Achievement Award and she is listed in Best Doctors in America.

Faculty Profile, Research and Publications

Keywords

children's immunizations, pertussis, childhood disease, pediatrics, influenza, pneumonia, whooping cough

IN THE NEWS

College Students Report Low Flu Vaccine Rate

College football and basketball games may provide more than a way for students to show school spirit – they could help prevent the flu.

According to a new study by researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, colleges and universities should implement new or improved influenza vaccine strategies, such as giving flu shots at sporting events or during campus-wide, day-long campaigns, to increase the number of their students who get the annual flu vaccine.

Flu Vaccine Rates in Children Remain Lower Than Expected Despite Recommendations

This year’s flu season is in full swing with 41 states now reporting widespread illness, and it is likely to continue spreading.

Unfortunately, not enough children are getting the flu shot even though health officials recommend that all children 6 months and older get the vaccine. According to a new study by researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, less than 45 percent of children were vaccinated against the flu during a five-year study period.