Bringing CNS Members Together to Make Children’s Lives Better

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The Child Neurology Society is proud to announce the formation of the Vaccine Action Task Force (VAX-TASK), a new initiative dedicated to equipping child neurologists with the tools, knowledge, and advocacy resources needed to address vaccine-preventable diseases and restore public trust in vaccination.

Chaired by CNS President Yasmin Khakoo, MD, FCNS, FAAN, FAAP, this multidisciplinary group of nine physicians and two advanced practice providers will officially launch its work in August. Building on this foundation, the task force will focus on four key objectives:

  • Issue a formal CNS statement: affirming the importance of vaccination for children with neurologic conditions and their families
  • Launch a webinar series to prepare child neurologists too:
    • Discuss the benefits of vaccination with patients, families, caregivers, health professionals and the public
    • Diagnose and treat vaccine-preventable diseases especially those with neurologic effects`
  • Explore coalition partnerships to strengthen the CNS’s role in national vaccine education and advocacy.
  • Create a one-page fact sheet to support evidence-based communication with patients, clinicians, and policymakers.

As we advance these objectives, President Dr. Khakoo shares: “This task force was borne out of a call to action by CNS members as preventive medicine, novel therapies and research funding are being threatened in the US. This endeavor also represents a renewed commitment by the CNS to champion health advocacy at local and national levels.”

We are excited to introduce the distinguished members of the VAX-TASK:

Photo of Yasmin Khakoo, MD, FCNS, FAAN, FAAP, VAX-TASK Chair
Yasmin Khakoo, MD, FCNS, FAAN, FAAP, VAX-TASK Chair
Photo of Michael G. Chez, MD
Michael G. Chez, MD
Photo of Daniel Freedman, DO
Daniel Freedman, DO
Photo of Ayush Gupta, MBBS, MD
Ayush Gupta, MBBS, MD
Photo of Aaron, Nelson, MD, MBS, FAAP, FAAN, FCNS
Aaron, Nelson, MD, MBS, FAAP, FAAN, FCNS
Photo of Rachel Pearson, MD
Rachel Pearson, MD
Photo of Denia Ramirez-Montealegre, MD, MPH, PhD
Denia Ramirez-Montealegre, MD, MPH, PhD
Photo of Claire Sinai, DNP
Claire Sinai, DNP
Stephanie Vitolano, MS, RN, CPNP-PC, CPHON
Photo of Molly Wilson-Murphy, MD
Molly Wilson-Murphy, MD
Photo of Max Wiznitzer, MD
Max Wiznitzer, MD

Through the efforts of this dedicated group, child neurologists will be informed, empowered, and supported to educate families and caregivers, counter misinformation, and contribute meaningfully to public health.

We look forward to sharing more as this vital work gets underway. Together, we can protect the health and development of the children and families we serve—through science, advocacy, and trusted care.