At Temple Pediatrics, we welcome the questions many parents will have about their child’s immunizations. Parents want to understand the reasons behind vaccine recommendations (and kids want to know “How many needles am I getting today?”).
I want to make sure every parent has the information they need to make informed choices — and protect their child’s health. Here are nine essential facts that I think every parent should know.
1. Vaccines can save your child’s life.
Vaccinations were developed to fight extremely harmful or fatal diseases. These illnesses have hurt and killed millions of children in the distant and not-so-distant past. Thanks to widespread vaccination, these same illnesses have been uncommon for years. Vaccines for diseases like polio, tetanus, and whooping cough save lives.
2. Vaccines are safe.
Clinical researchers and physicians thoroughly develop and review vaccines. It’s only after this intense study that vaccines are made available to patients.
Vaccinations work by teaching your immune system to recognize and respond to specific bacterial or viral pathogens. Your immune system makes “illness-fighting memory cells” that can quickly and effectively react upon future exposure to that illness. After your child receives a vaccination, it is common for them to experience temporary and mild side effects. These side effects are the result of their immune system doing its job - making those memory cells.
Reactions such as fever, tiredness, redness, tenderness, or swelling around the injection site typically subside on their own within a few days. Serious side effects are infrequent.
3. There’s no link between vaccines and autism.
Some parents are concerned about a possible link between vaccines and autism. But there’s no need to worry. The debate about a possible connection stems from a 1998 study that examined only 12 children. Subsequent investigations revealed that the study relied on bad data and science. It was retracted (removed from the scientific record) and discredited. Extensive research has been done to investigate the issue, and it has been found that vaccines DO NOT cause autism. That’s also the conclusion of leading medical organizations, including:
- The American Academy of Pediatrics
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- The National Academy of Medicine
4. Vaccines help children’s immune systems learn how to fight germs.
Babies’ immune systems aren’t fully developed when they’re born. Children under the age of 5 are especially vulnerable to disease because their immune systems haven’t yet developed the necessary defenses. Vaccination gives these young immune systems a helping hand. It also teaches the immune system how to ward off infections.
5. Vaccines protect your child and other people.
Vaccinating kids on schedule helps them stay safe. But it can also protect others in your household. For example, an unvaccinated child can spread disease to newborn siblings who are too young to be vaccinated — or to people with weakened immune systems.
Some immunocompromised people are at risk of disease even if they are vaccinated. They depend on the rest of us to do what we can to prevent illness. If you know someone who’s gone through cancer treatment, you know how important these safeguards are.
6. Vaccines prevent disease complications.
Young babies have the highest risk of serious complications if they get sick. In an adult, whooping cough might mean a cough that sticks around for weeks. But for babies less than a year old, it can be deadly. Delayed vaccinations can leave our youngest loved ones at risk for long-term or life-threatening complications.
7. Vaccines can save your family time and money.
A child who’s sick with a vaccine-preventable disease can be denied entry into school or daycare. And some of these diseases can cause continuing health problems. That can mean medical bills, long-term care, and lost time at work for parents.
Vaccines are covered by insurance. They’re a good investment for the future of your family.
8. People who aren’t vaccinated can spread disease in a family and a community.
Many vaccine-preventable diseases are uncommon in our country. However, they are still widespread in other areas. Some, like measles, are highly contagious.
We can all encounter someone who has been traveling. Travel can spread germs or diseases to different populations. People who aren’t fully vaccinated can spread disease before anyone realizes it or before they show signs of illness.
9. It’s better to prevent disease than to treat it.
In my practice, I see that this adage is true! Making sure that your family follows the recommended childhood immunization schedule helps keep you all safe. And it helps create “herd immunity,” an environment where even the most vulnerable members of our community can avoid disease because most people are immunized against it.
Talk to your pediatrician about vaccines
At Temple Pediatrics, we are focused on the health of your family. Perhaps you need to know what vaccines kids need before kindergarten. Or maybe you have questions about how to catch up on missed vaccines. No matter what, we’re here to help.
Request an appointment online or call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) today.
