Should parents vaccinate their children? This question is commonly asked by parents as the controversy over the potential side effects of vaccinations heats up in the many medical debates on the subject.
The widespread use of vaccines has helped to reduce the spread of many serious illnesses in the general population, and has saved millions of lives each year. But some parents have concerns over the safety of vaccines.
What is a Vaccine?
Infants are born into the world with natural immunity, as a result of antibodies received in the womb, and through breast milk after birth. This immunity wears off in the first year of the infant's life, resulting in the child being potentially vulnerable to many illnesses and dangerous diseases, which can be prevented by the administration of vaccines.
A vaccine is a preparation that typically contains a small amount of the disease germ that is administered to the body. This activates the body's immune system to build antibodies that help fight off disease.
Common vaccines that protect against the following illnesses include: diptheria, tetanus, hepatitis, whooping cough, polio, measles, rubella (German measles), mumps, hemophilus influenza b and chicken pox.
Are Vaccines Safe?
One of the most common concerns about immunizations is as a result of a study done in 1998 that claimed a potential link between vaccines and higher rates of autism in children.
Today, the mainstream medical community refutes this link, and cites numerous studies that have since been done that show no evidence linking childhood vaccinations and autism, and The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly campaigns against any link between childhood vaccinations and autism.
Potential Side Effects of Vaccines
Most potential side effects of vaccines are mild and temporary, such as fever, or tenderness under the skin where the shot was given.
When Should a Child Be Vaccinated?
Vaccinations are started when the child is approximately 2 months old and are finished around the age of 6 years. A family physician should be consulted as to the most appropriate vaccination schedule for each individual child.
Reasons Not to Vaccinate a Child
There are special circumstances when vaccination may not be recommended. Children who have cancer or other certain diseases, or who are taking medication that lowers the body's immune system and ability to fight off infection may not be good candidates for vaccination, and a family physician will be able to advise in such cases.
Generally, childhood vaccinations are considered safe and vital to preventing many dangerous and potentially fatal diseases in children. Parents with any questions or concerns about vaccination should consult their family physician.
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