Ken Haller, M.D., is professor of pediatrics at Saint Louis University who volunteers for clinical trials at Saint Louis University’s Center for Vaccine Development out of what he calls a sense of obligation. An outspoken advocate for vaccines, Haller, 64, remembers the misery of getting measles, mumps and chickenpox.
“I’m a big proponent of vaccines because they work,” Haller said. “I remember, as someone old enough to have experienced measles myself, being absolutely miserable with it in 1963. Back then, a million kids a year got measles; a thousand of those kids died. This is a deadly illness and we have to take it seriously.”
Haller can discuss treating treated infants who developed meningitis and became blind or died from Haemophilis influenzae, which can be prevented through vaccination. He also can talk about how he counsels families who are reticent to vaccinate their children.
Haller is also a SLUCare pediatrician at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital and past president of the Missouri Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
The American Medical Association recognized Haller in 1999 for his contributions to improving health care in underserved communities. He received the 1990 Illinois State Medical Society Public Service Award for his work to improve health in minority communities.
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