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You may wonder why your child needs so many shots. Kids get vaccines for diseases that no one seems to get now.
Many of the diseases are now rare in the US. But that’s only because vaccines have worked so well.
But most of these diseases aren’t gone. And they are dangerous and deadly. If we stopped vaccinating, then these diseases could become common again. They could kill many children. That’s what happened before vaccines were around.
And that’s why children get vaccines for them now. Vaccines keep your child safe. It’s much better to prevent an illness than to treat it.
Why are childhood vaccines so important?
In the first few years of life, children get vaccines against many diseases. These illnesses can make babies very sick. For instance, the most severe cases of Haemophilus influenzae, type b infection are in babies under age 1. The most reported deaths from whooping cough are of babies who are less than 6 months old. Kids need protection early. Vaccines help to protect them.
Newborns are immune to some diseases. But this protection wears off.
Children aren’t immune to all diseases. That’s why some vaccines start at birth or at about the age of 2 months. They’ll go on through childhood, since many vaccines are given in a series over several years.
Keep on schedule to make sure that your child stays protected. Print out and review the recommended Child Vaccination Schedule from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to make sure your child is up-to-date.
What about the risks?
Parents may also hear that vaccines can cause side effects. Most side effects are mild like soreness at the site of the shot. Severe side effects are very uncommon.
In fact, vaccines are some of the safest medicines we have. Compare the risks of a vaccine with the risks of the disease that it prevents. The disease is more dangerous.
If you have concerns about getting your child vaccinated, check out this list of common questions.
Other vaccines
Some children may need vaccines other than just the standard ones. For instance, if you’re traveling to a foreign country with your baby, ask your doctor what vaccines he or she may need to get.
Also children with certain medical problems may need different vaccinations than other kids their age. These medical problems include diseases that affect the immune system and conditions like asthma.
Talk with your doctor about your child’s particular situation. He or she will know if other vaccines are a good idea for your child.
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