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ImmunizationsProtection: Immunizations help protect children from these diseases: chicken pox, polio, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella (German measles), diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), Hib disease and hepatitis B. These diseases are especially dangerous for babies and toddlers. Without proper immunizations, your child is at greater risk for a disease that causes death, blindness, brain damage, paralysis or heart problems. For adults, the CDC recommends these immunizations. Fears: The National Network for Immunization Information sponsored a phone survey of 1,600 expectant parents and parents of children 6 years of age and younger, and the results indicate that about one-quarter of American parents had concerns over the safety of infant and child vaccinations. But experts say none of the main fears (such as a link between vaccines and autism, or that too many vaccines will make their children "weaker," or that children receive more vaccinations than are "good for them") is based on any scientific fact. See Medem and do a search for "Common Myths About Immunizations." A study published in the January 2002 edition of Pediatrics reiterates that the current practice of giving multiple vaccines is not harmful to babies or children, nor does it weaken their immune system. Instead, the report says, babies' bodies are able to handle multiple vaccines, and the protection provided by immunizations actually prevents the "weakening" of the babies' immune systems, while also protecting against serious illnesses. Dangers: The Idaho Immunization Program (and Idaho Immunize By Two Coalition) says this about vaccination danger: "Serious reactions to vaccines are extremely rare, but can occur. The risks of serious disease from not vaccinating are far greater than the risks of serious reaction to the vaccination." Experts also worry that a widespread failure to immunize will not only cause many children to get seriously ill, but also will eventually cause a re-emergence of dangerous childhood diseases (as has perhaps happened in the Dominican Republic, with polio). Tips for Keeping Up-to-Date: If you miss a shot, check with your doctor about the possibility of making it up. Always take your child's shot records with you to a doctor's appointment. Keep them in a safe place such as a safe or a safe deposit box. Do not depend on your doctor to keep track of the immunizations for you (generally, doctors will and do keep good care of the records, but mistakes do happen and things do get lost or forgotten). Follow the directions you're given, and don't be afraid to ask questions if you're uncertain about the advice you're getting. If your child is ill and you're wondering if a vaccine will be safe to take, it probably is, but check with your doctor. If you can't afford vaccines for your children, contact the Vaccines for Children Program for assistance. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine added: Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine has been added to the routine childhood immunization schedule. This vaccine is designed to prevent meningitis caused by streptococcus pneumoniae. For more on this vaccine, or for a copy of the current immunization schedule, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How to Ease the Pain: If you and your child are stressed over needles and shots, here are a few ideas for how to ease the pain:
For more information on immunizations:
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