Vaccination can be a difficult, and often sensitive, conversation among parents of young children. For many, the idea of vaccinating their child violates traditional religious or medical practices, produces fear about autism, or makes them nervous about public school, where vaccinations are required. While all of the above are legitimate concerns, all parents should know the physical and scientific reasons why most physicians recommend vaccination.
Are Vaccinations Unsafe?
It is hard to argue that any pharmacological agent is entirely safe. That being said, any vaccines administered in the United States undergo strict testing before becoming licensed for use. Once licensed, the United States Center for Disease Control monitors the use of vaccines, making sure that they are safe and effective. The monitoring is done by conducting vaccine safety research, assessing the cause of adverse events and identifying potential risk factors, and searching for adverse events following immunization. In most cases, a vaccine may produce some minor undesirable effects, such as soreness, pain, redness at the injection site, or a mild fever. The risk of serious health repercussions is minimal.
Do Vaccines Actually Cause Autism?
Most people who make the case that vaccines cause autism are referring to the routine vaccinations that are given in the first two years of a child's life, namely rubella, measles, and mumps vaccinations. In 2004, a study conducted by the Institute of Medicine found that there is not sufficient evidence linking autism with routine vaccinations. Nonetheless, concerns continued to persist.
In response, the Journal of Pediatrics published a second study that analyzed the link between autism and the stimulation of the immune system through the administration of vaccines. Again, there was no evidence indicating an association between exposure to anti-body stimulating proteins in vaccines and the risk of acquiring autism. These results indicate that parental concerns about child autism are not supported by scientific evidence.
Do Vaccines Really Weaken or Overwhelm the Immune System?
It's not uncommon for people to think that getting vaccinated will cause them to get sick or weaken their immune system. The truth, however, is that vaccines do exactly the opposite: vaccines strengthen an immune system by stimulating defense mechanisms to provide protection against specific diseases. In fact, when vaccines are developed, they are studied to ensure that the addition of a new vaccine -- as administered with current vaccines -- will not over-stimulate the immune system and that the immune system will have the same response and safety profile.
In 2011, the Center for Disease Control reported 10 measles outbreaks across the country, the largest of which occurred in Minnesota. In Minnesota, data showed that 10% of parents did not properly vaccinate their children, leading to the outbreak. Seven of the infected children were too young to receive the MMR vaccine, but the onset of the disease could have been prevented had the older children who spread it received their routine vaccinations.
The story above is an unfortunate one, but it illustrates the importance of vaccinating your children. If you're concerned and want to learn more, visit http://www.vaccines.gov for a list of comprehensive studies regarding vaccines, the reasons why you should vaccinate your child, and what vaccines you and your family should be receiving.
This article was provided by Samantha Greenbaum, health-conscious mother of two. Samantha encourages you to research before you pass judgment on vaccinations to control or prevent certain diseases.
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