Jackson Hospital | Partners

Vaccines

The best shot at prevention for your child—and you

“I wanted my child protected from any diseases and sicknesses that can be prevented. I know all

medicines have side effects, but I believe vaccinations prevent life-threatening sicknesses. I think

medicine has come a long way and really helps.” —Alyssa Wood, pictured with her son, Landon

HERE IS NO SHORTAGE

of information about children and vaccines. But

the most important thing you need to know is this: Vaccines save kids’ lives.

Immunizations help protect children against debilitating and potentially deadly

diseases, such as polio and measles. According to the American Academy of Pe-

diatrics, vaccines have reduced the number of infections from these preventable

illnesses by more than 90 percent.

“Vaccinations have been used for hundreds of years to prevent diseases and

the spread of diseases that have the potential to cause significant morbidity and

mortality,” said family physician Christopher Waguespack, DO. “The benefits of vaccination far outweigh

the risks and problems associated with them. Every major medical group that weighs in heavily on the

subject recommends routine vaccination in children and adults.”

Many of the diseases that vaccinations prevent are rare, and that’s due in part to the effectiveness of

immunizations. But that doesn’t mean your children don’t need protection. The viruses and bacteria that

cause these diseases still exist. Also, some vaccine-preventable illnesses are still common outside of the

U.S., so travelers could carry diseases with them. That’s why it’s so important for children to be up-to-

date on their shots.

Are they safe?

Vaccines are both effective and safe. Side effects are usually mild and can include swelling, redness and

tenderness at the site of the injection. Also, kids may have a slight fever or fussiness for a little while

after a shot.

Most children—even those with a minor illness, such as a cough or ear infection—can be immunized

safely. Kids who have a more serious illness may need to delay or avoid certain shots based on recom-

mendations from the child’s pediatrician.

For those who are unable to get vaccinated for medical reasons, community, or “herd,” immunity of-

fers protection.

According to

www.vaccines.gov ,

when a majority of a community is immunized against a contagious

disease, most members of the community are protected against that disease because there is little op-

portunity for an outbreak.

The website explains that even those who are not eligible for certain vaccines—such as infants, preg-

nant women, or immunocompromised individuals—get some protection because the spread of conta-

gious disease is contained. This is known as “community immunity.”

Children aren’t the only ones who need vaccines, though. Adults should stay up-to-date on vaccines,

too, and may sometimes need a booster for a vaccine they received as a child. For a full recommended

vaccination schedule, visit