August 28, 2024

A Parent’s Guide to Vaccine Safety

Does your child fear going to the doctor and getting their shots?

Written by Lauren M. Rouse, M.D., M.P.H. candidate with Julia Belkowitz, M.D., M.P.H., Lyse Deus, M.Ed, and Oneith Cadiz, M.D.

Have you ever wondered why vaccines are so important or why your child needs so many?

Vaccines are a very important tool to protect children from infectious diseases. When your child gets their vaccines, their immune system learns to recognize the proteins (called antigens) that are like the germs that can cause serious diseases. This early exposure to antigens through vaccines teaches your child’s immune system to become stronger and more prepared to fight the infection when faced with the germs that can cause harm to your child.

Many parents have concerns about the safety of vaccinations. Some parents are so concerned they decide not to vaccinate their children. However, this decision not only increases their child’s risk of becoming sick, but also increases the chance of these diseases spreading to vulnerable family members, friends, classmates, and others in your community.

Here are some things to keep in mind when thinking about vaccinating your child.

It is important to follow the recommended immunization schedule

Some parents believe they can wait to vaccinate their child. But the recommended schedule was created and is reviewed yearly by pediatricians and scientists to provide your child with the most protection. At specific ages, your child is at higher risk of becoming very sick from certain diseases. Following the established immunization schedule increases the level of protection that vaccines provide.

It is safe to give more than one vaccine at the same time

Some parents have concerns that receiving too many vaccinations in one visit is dangerous. However, children are exposed to 2,000 to 6,000 antigens daily in their day to day lives. The entire recommended immunization schedule contains many fewer antigens than that. Your child’s immune can handle receiving multiple vaccinations at once because it is used to fighting thousands of germs every day.

It’s ok to give vaccines with a mild illness

Some parents are nervous to give their child vaccines when they are sick. If you have these concerns, you should talk to your pediatrician for more information. If your child has a common cold, low-grade fever, earache, or diarrhea, it is usually safe to get vaccinated.

Vaccines are safe

Some parents believe that vaccines make their child sick. Vaccines are made with either dead or extremely weakened versions of germs, which prevents your child from being infected. If your child has a weaker immune system from certain medications or medical conditions, there may be a very small risk of your child getting sick from a vaccine. It is best to talk with your pediatrician to determine if this risk applies to your child and if there is a different form of a vaccine that would be better for them.

Side effects are usually very mild

Some parents are afraid of the side effects of vaccines. Your child may have a low-grade fever and body aches for about a day as their immune system is getting stronger. If you are concerned that your child is experiencing a more serious reaction or side effect, discuss your concerns with your pediatrician.

Vaccines do not cause autism

Some parents are concerned that vaccines cause autism. There is no scientific evidence that proves this. Children with autism begin to show signs by one or two years old, which is also when many recommended vaccines are given. These two events happen within a similar timeframe, but it does not mean that vaccines cause autism.

The ingredients in vaccines are safe

Some parents believe vaccines contain harmful chemicals. Vaccines only contain ingredients that are needed to safely strengthen your child’s immune system. Vaccines contain pieces of weakened or dead germs that cannot infect your child. Vaccines also contain ingredients to help your child’s immune system recognize the vaccine, which allows a lower dose to be given to your child.

If you are having any hesitancy about vaccinating your child, discuss your concerns with your pediatrician. They are aware of your child’s unique medical history and any potential health risks. They can provide their expert knowledge and advice on how to keep your child safe and healthy. For general information about vaccine safety, visit Vaccine Safety: Get the Facts – HealthyChildren.org.

For information on injury prevention, visit www.healthychildren.org or contact the Injury Free Coalition for Kids of Miami, a program supported by The Children’s Trust, at 305-243-9080 or online at www.injuryfree.org.