Vaccines are an important part of preventative care. They work by preparing the body to fight various types of illnesses. Vaccines are safe and effective – protecting your child from dangerous diseases as they navigate through this mosaic world.
At One Family Pediatrics, we follow the vaccine recommendations endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, CDC, and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. We endorse this schedule based on scientific data that has proven the efficacy and safety of vaccines when your child is the most vulnerable of acquiring a vaccine preventable disease.
Common Immunization Questions
What do vaccines do? Vaccines contain a dead or weakened germ (live vaccine) of a particular disease. When this is injected or orally taken into the body, ideally an immune response is triggered. This can be fever, swelling at the injection site, or a milder form of the disease if a weakened germ is used. The body “practices” fighting the disease by making antibodies that recognize specific parts of the virus or bacteria. This allows the body to “remember” a disease and fight off a future exposure.
Why does my baby need so many vaccines? Currently, children from birth to 6 years are giving immunizations that protect against 14 different disease. These vaccines have been well studied and are safe to give in combination form.
Do immunizations cause Autism? No. Many well-documented and verified studies studies prove that vaccines do NOT cause autism. In some European countries, the rate of autism is on the rise while the rate of MMR vaccination is on the decline.
Do vaccines cause SIDS? No, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) cases have fallen by ~50% in recent years, whereas the number of vaccines given in the US has risen.
Fun Facts
- HPV vaccine decreases the chances of someone becoming infected with HPV. If a woman gets tested for HPV by her OBGYN and the test is negative then she may be able to space out her Pap tests.
- Some young children can be exposed to hepatitis B from family members or caregivers. Because hepatitis B infections earlier in life have a greater risk of leading to liver cancer, it is important to vaccinate young children against hepatitis B to offer the most protection possible.
- People who are infected with measles virus may have their overall immune system affected. Recent research has shown that measles virus has the potential to lower existing antibody levels.
- MMR vaccine does not cause Autism.
- Giving an infant multiple vaccines does not overwhelm the immune system. Babies are exposed to trillions of bacteria/viruses at birth and are constantly making antibodies against these bacteria and viruses.
- Spreading out vaccines does not decrease the risk of an adverse reaction. It does, however, increase stress for the child.
- When it comes to ingredients, it is important to realize that, in most cases, the quantities are so minimal that they do not cause allergic reactions or symptoms of toxicity. Further, many of these ingredients are commonly found in other products.
Useful Resources for Vaccine Information
Great information about the vaccine schedule and what disease each vaccine protects against.
Along with providing valuable information, this site has videos of what it’s like to be affected or have a family member affected by a vaccine preventable disease.
Fascination information about the history of vaccines and the terrible diseases they were developed to protect us against.
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
Amazing information about each vaccine preventable disease. Also has a great section on how to evaluate scientific information and studies.
For parents and people of all ages, this website provides timely, accurate, and factual information about vaccines and the diseases they prevent. Vaccines save lives!
Informative website about immunizations by the American Academy of Pediatrics. This information is written by pediatricians.