Weighing the Risks of Immunizations

The decision about whether or not to immunize their children is giving many parents sleepless nights as they weigh the risks against the benefits. Even a generation ago parents focused their worries on the dangers of infectious diseases, today parents are worrying about the adverse reactions of the vaccines used to prevent those diseases. But, are those concerns warranted?

Some of the vaccinations now under debate include Hepatitis B; Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR); Diptheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTP or DtaP); Chicken Pox; Polio; and Rotavirus. Potential killers such as polio, diptheria, and the measles are virtually unknown in the United States today, which is one reason why the fear surrounding these deadly diseases is not what it used to be. Instead, focus has turned to the risks of vaccination.

Doctors are in agreement over the fact that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks associated with taking the vaccine or refusing it. Their concern is the potential that any drop in immunizations could provide an entrance for new outbreaks of dangerous diseases.

Simply put, no step forward is entirely free of risks. This is as true in life, as it is in technology. The development and use of immunizations have made other achievements, like space travel, possible by preventing death and sustaining a healthy quality of life. There are potential risks associated with vaccines, such as pneumonia, brain damage, autism, and bowel obstruction; these risks are minimal. The risks only seem greater because these vaccines are given to healthy infants who might never come in contact with any of the diseases.

The greatest obstacle to overcome is an uninformed public. Risk communication is gaining importance as the need for and safety of immunizations is being questioned. Phrases such as "minimal risk," and "not of significant public health importance," are keeping the people who need to know their meanings from understanding them. If a parent only hears the technical terms that are used to describe the risks, and not the benefits, chances are he will choose to forego any immunizations.

Foregoing the shots completely is difficult to do; however, as most vaccines are required prior to a child starting school. Although some states allow exceptions, most do not, so inoculation has become part of the education process. Even home schooling has risks.

Vaccines are our greatest defense in the battle against these and many other infectious diseases. Doctors must be able to produce safe vaccines, quickly recognize and define unexpected adverse effects, and effectively inform the public with reliable information about benefits and risks.

What You Need to Know About Immunizations

Your child needs to be immunized.
These shots protect them from dangerous childhood diseases that have serious complications, and can even kill. The viruses and bacteria that cause vaccine-preventable disease and death still exist. Vaccines have drastically reduced the number of people who contract these infectious diseases and the complications that they produce.

The diseases that immunizations prevent:

• Measles
• Mumps
• Polio
• Rubella (German Measles)
• Pertussis
• Diptheria
• Tetanus (lockjaw)
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib disease)
• Hepatitus B
• Varicella (chicken pox)

Your child needs the following shots.
They are recommended by age 2, and can be given in five visits.

• 1 vaccination against measles/mumps/rubella (MMR)
• 4 vaccinations against Hib (a major cause of spinal meningitis)
• 3 vaccinations against polio
• 4 vaccinations against diptheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP)
• 3 vaccinations against hepatitis B
• 1 vaccination against varicella

This is how vaccines work:

• A vaccine is given by shot or liquid. It contains a weak or dead disease germ.
• The body makes antibodies to fight the germ.
• The antibodies practice on weak germs so when the real, strong disease germs- which can be lurking all around- invade the child's body, the antibodies know how to destroy them and the child will not become ill.
• Protective antibodies stay on guard in the child's body to safeguard against real disease germs.

Vaccines are safe.
Serious reactions occur, but they are extremely rare. The risks of serious disease from not vaccinating are far greater.

There are some side effects.
Depending on the vaccine, there are some possible side effects. Sometimes a slight fever, rash, or soreness at the site of injection can occur. This is normal. If you feel that your child is experiencing a severe reaction, call your doctor immediately. He will file a Vaccine Adverse Event Report form.

Your child must be immunized before starting school.
Immunizations must begin at birth and must be completed by the age of 2. Children under 5 are particularly susceptible to disease because of their underdeveloped immune systems.

A vaccination health record is important.
A vaccination health record helps you and your health care provider keep your child on schedule. It should be started at birth with the first vaccination, and updated with each new vaccination. Take this record with you every time your child has a health care visit.

The Vaccines for Children Program will provide free vaccines to needy children. Eligible children include those without health insurance coverage, all those who are enrolled in Medicaid, American Indians, and Alaskan Natives.