Children are more likely to live healthier, longer lives thanks to advancements made in medicine. Immunizations give you the power to give your child a healthy start in life. Vaccines have already reduced the number of diseases in the world. For example, measles was once a typical illness in the 1950s. However, the measles vaccine has reduced the disease. Now, very few doctors even see a case of measles.
Vaccines are still a relatively new concept, medically speaking. It wasn’t until the 1990s that heavy education on the importance of child vaccines began. Even today, in 2018, some parents are still wary of the long term effects of child vaccines. However, it’s important to remember that vaccines are extremely safe. In fact, there is rarely a reason why anyone shouldn’t get a vaccine.
Doctors and other healthcare professionals have been trying to debunk vaccine myths for years. Some parents refuse to vaccinate their children, even with numerous studies proving the safety of vaccines. This has created health consequences for their children and their entire community.
Don’t let any vaccine misconception keep you from making the best healthcare decisions for your family. Take advantage of the benefits vaccines create. Keep reading to learn the truth behind several popular child vaccine myths.
Myth #1: Infant Immune Systems Can’t Handle Vaccines
The immune system of an infant is stronger than you think. The amount of antibodies in an infant’s immune system makes it theoretically possible for an infant to receive 10,000 vaccines at a time.
There are 14 vaccines doctors recommend your child gets before the age of 2. Thanks to today’s vaccines, children exposed to fewer diseases than previous generations.
Myth #2: Vaccines Will Infect My Child With The Disease It’s Trying To Prevent
While there is a possibility vaccines can cause symptoms of the disease they’re trying to prevent, you have nothing to worry about. In the rare cases this does happen, the symptoms are mild and non-threatening. This is because the child is not actually infected. Instead the child’s immune system is responded to the vaccine, creating the visible symptoms you notice.
Myth #3: Other Kids Are Vaccinated, I Don’t Need To Vaccinate Mine
It is possible for your kid to remain unvaccinated and perfectly healthy. This is because of “herd immunity”. Herd immunity happens when the majority of the population is vaccinated. Immune citizens help protect the immunity of the unvaccinated minority. They make it harder for diseases to spread. After all, a disease has no one to infect if everyone is immune.
However, herd immunity can disappear if not enough people are getting vaccinated. Parents mistakenly believe they don’t have to vaccinate their children. However, unvaccinated chiLack of vaccinations in children creates a dangerous situation. Diseases have more opportunities to spread and infect unvaccinated communities. In addition, diseases brought back from foreign countries can result in health problems at home. This is especially dangerous for newborns, pregnant women, and elderly citizens who have weakened immune systems.
Myth #4: Vaccines Can Cause Autism
Many parents fear vaccines causing autism in their children. One fear is that the thimerosal gives children autism. However, there is no evidence linking thimerosal to autism. Furthermore, thimerosal has not been used in infant or child vaccines for many years.
The MMR vaccine is another immunization accused of causing autism. This is likely due to most children getting diagnosed with autism around the same age the MMR vaccine is recommended. However, scientific studies from all over the world have found no connection between the vaccine and autism.
Myth #5: Natural Immunity Is Better Than Vaccine Immunity
There are cases when surviving a disease gives a person a stronger immunity against that particular disease. However, this doesn’t mean you should try to get your child sick. The negative side effects of catching a disease far outweigh any possible benefits. Even if the benefit is immunity. Especially when a simple vaccine can do the same thing, without endangering your child’s health.
For example, if someone wanted to get an immunity to measles by catching the disease, they would face a 1 in 500 chance of dying. On the other hand, the chances of someone suffering an allergic reaction while getting the measles vaccine is one in a million.
Give Your Family The Vaccines They Need
After learning the truth about vaccines, you’re probably ready to take the first step towards protecting your children from vaccine-preventable diseases. But where do you begin?
Start by reaching out to your local healthcare provider to learn more. Schedule an appointment to discuss vaccine options with your child’s pediatrician. Vaccines are an important life-saving tool and should be available to everyone. If you’re worried you can’t afford vaccines for your children, reach out to the Vaccines For Children Program . This federally funded program specializes in helping low-income families get free vaccines. Call their toll free number, 800-232-4636, to get started.
Want a stress-free vaccine appointment? Visit a local immunization clinic. For example, VNA & Hospice has an immunization clinic designed to serve the vaccine needs of citizens throughout California’s central coast. There are many options available. In fact, vaccinating your children is easier now more than ever. Take the first step to protect them from dangerous diseases today.