CHICAGO (AP) -- A new coalition of 22 major medical groups says public confidence in vaccine safety needs to be restored to avoid risks for deadly disease outbreaks.

Their concern stems from recent measles outbreaks in several cities. About 131 children have gotten the measles this year -- the highest number in more than a decade.

Recent government data show that more than 77 percent of U.S. toddlers have gotten all their recommended shots. The doctor groups say that means about one-fourth of toddlers aren't getting the shots they need.

Thursday's message comes from the Chicago-based American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and 20 more of the nation's most influential health-related groups.

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