CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A spokeswoman for the American Academy of Pediatrics will be in West Virginia on Friday to talk about the importance of childhood immunizations.

The state's Office of Epidemiology and Prevention Services is hosting a public-health symposium that continues Friday at the Marriott Town Center in Charleston. Dr. Ari Brown is the keynote speaker, tackling a topic that concerns many parents.

Brown often appears on TV shows and is the co-author of a series of parenting books, including "Toddler 411.''

Several parents recently have challenged state regulations requiring all seventh- through 12th-graders to get Tdap and MCV4 booster vaccinations. A judge in Kanawha County upheld the challenges.

The immunizations are designed to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis and meningitis.

The symposium also features presentations on HPV-related cancers, HIV and Hepatitis C.