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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Augusta, Ga. — While at least one celebrity mother and a few news reporters have suggested that there is a link between autism and immunizations, pediatricians and numerous health organizations maintain that vaccines are safe and recommend that vaccines be administered on schedule to keep your children safe from a variety of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Here are answers to four of the most frequently asked questions that
parents have about vaccinating their children:
1. How can I be sure that immunizing my child will not cause autism?
Numerous studies have been performed proving the safety of vaccines. One
reason parents might think there is a link between immunization and
autism is that signs of the disorder often occur at the same age as the
administration of several vaccines including MMR (mumps, measles and
rubella) vaccine. A small study in 1998 of just 12 children raised fears
of a link between the MMR vaccine and the development of autism. Since
then, 10 of the 13 study authors have retracted their conclusions.
In addition, other, larger studies have not found a link between the
MMR vaccine and autism. Instead, rates of autism are the same among
populations of those who have and have not been vaccinated. Studies have
also shown no association between thimerosal, a preservative previously
used in some vaccines, and autism. Since thimerosal was removed from
most childhood vaccines in 2001, autism rates have actually increased.
2. Since some diseases are practically unheard of now, why does my
child still need to be immunized for them? It is true that thanks to
vaccines, many life-threatening diseases have become rare in the United
States. However, we need to continue to get our children vaccinated to
ensure that these diseases do not pop up again. In some cases, a disease
may be just a “plane ride away” from infecting someone in America.
For example, the measles disease was re-introduced recently by visitors
from other countries, or by unprotected U.S. residents acquiring the
infection and returning with the illness. Even diseases commonly
considered “not deadly” could prove otherwise because of variations
or new strains as past influenza seasons have shown.
3. Can the bacteria or viruses in a vaccine give my child the disease?
No, for the vast majority of children receiving recommended childhood
vaccines. Most vaccines contain only pieces of inactivated (killed)
bacteria or viruses that then stimulate the body to produce protective
antibodies, like tetanus for example. Some vaccines, like MMR, chicken
pox and rotavirus contain live, very weak samples of these viruses
which, in children with normal immune systems, stimulate the production
of protective antibodies. Certain individuals, such as those with
cancer, AIDS or those taking certain medications that reduce the
body’s response to infection, may not be able to receive these live
virus vaccines. Families should check with their child’s physician to
be sure it is safe for the child to receive a live virus vaccine. These
same children, however, can receive inactivated vaccines without
concern, unless the child has some other contraindication (such as an
allergy to some component of the vaccine). Family members living in
households with children who are unable to receive a live, virus vaccine
should be immunized to help protect these vulnerable children from
natural disease.
4. Will my child have any reactions from being vaccinated? As with any
medicine, immunizations may occasionally cause reactions, which are
usually mild, such as a slight fever or soreness at the injection site.
Serious reactions from vaccines are rare. About 3 to 10 percent of
children may experience a rash within 10 to 14 days after receiving the
MMR vaccine, rash may also infrequently occur, most often at the
injection site, after the chicken pox vaccine. If your child develops a
rash, it should disappear in a few days. Consult your pediatrician if
the rash does not go away.
Remember, while no vaccine is 100 percent safe and 100 percent
effective, vaccines recommended for routine use in the United States
have markedly reduced or eliminated many diseases seen in the past that
are still present in many other countries. Overall, the benefits of
immunization greatly outweigh the risks of adverse events from vaccines
in the vast majority of children. It is wise to be prepared. If you can
get a vaccine that will reduce yours or your child’s risk of becoming
ill, I recommend that you do. If you still have questions or concerns
about having your child vaccinated on the suggested schedule, talk to
your child’s doctor.
MCG Health, Inc. (d/b/a MCGHealth) is a not-for-profit corporation
operating the MCGHealth Medical Center, MCGHealth Children’s Medical
Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center, and related outpatient
facilities and services throughout the state. For more information,
please visit mcghealth.org.
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