Facts for Parents About Vaccine Safety

from the American Academy of Pediatrics

 

Why are vaccines important?

Immunizations protect children. Vaccine-preventable diseases can have dangerous consequences, including seizures, brain damage, blindness and even death. Because of the success of the national immunization program, many young parents today have never seen a case of one of these illnesses, but measles, meningitis, chickenpox, pertussis and other diseases exist in the world and would re-emerge here if immunization rates fell. For example, recent outbreaks of measles in the U.S. were traced to unvaccinated children who became infected while traveling in Europe. Likewise, it would only take one case of polio from another country to bring the disease back to the U.S. if children are not protected by vaccination.

 

Are vaccines safe?

Yes. Today’s vaccines are safer than any in history. Vaccines contain antigens, which are either live but very weakened viruses, inactivated viruses, or small parts of bacteria or viruses that prompt the body to produce protective antibodies without causing the disease. Even though children receive more vaccines now, the total number of antigens is less because today’s vaccines are more refined than older versions. At a very young age, children’s immune systems are equipped to respond to many antigens at the same time, including those in vaccines as well as the ones they encounter in their daily activities such as eating, breathing and playing.

In addition to antigens, vaccines contain ingredients to prevent contamination and improve effectiveness. These ingredients have been found to be safe in humans in the quantities given in vaccines, which is much less than children are exposed to in their environment, food and water. Valid scientific studies have shown there is no link between autism and thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative once used in several vaccines (and still used in some flu vaccine). However, since thimerosal was removed from childhood vaccines in 2001, autism rates have actually increased, supplying further evidence that thimerosal does not cause autism.

Before a vaccine is licensed, it is studied in thousands of children and in combination with other vaccines. After licensure, the federal government continues to monitor a vaccine’s safety. This continuous monitoring ensures researchers will uncover any rare side effects, even if they affect only a small number of children. For example, a rotavirus vaccine was withdrawn in 1999 after it was linked to intestinal blockages in about 100 children. This vaccine was replaced by a new and safer product. Today’s recommended vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective for millions of children.

 

Can I delay or skip vaccines?

It is not a good idea to skip or delay vaccines, as this will leave your child vulnerable to diseases for a longer time. Children are most vulnerable to complications from disease in their early years of life, when vaccines provide protection, and some vaccines produce a better immune response at particular ages. Parents should follow the schedule provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians, which is designed by experts to ensure maximum protection and safety for children at various ages. This schedule allows for some flexibility to delay certain shots when advised by a child’s pediatrician due to illness, certain chronic conditions or other medical reasons. Parents should discuss any concerns with their child’s pediatrician.

More information is available at http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/autismparentfacts.htm and www.cdc.gov/vaccines.

June 2008  

 

Learn More At:

                            

                                   http://vaccinateyourbaby.org

 

Vaccinate Your Baby is an awareness campaign that was launched by Every Child By Two, an organization devoted to raising awareness of the critical need for timely immunization and to foster a systematic way to immunize all of America's children by age two. The site was launched in August of 2008, and features news and information for parents who wish to learn the truth about immunization and how best to protect their children from vaccine-preventable diseases.

About Every Child By Two

Every Child By Two (ECBT) was founded by former First Lady Rosalynn Carter and former First Lady of Arkansas Betty Bumpers in 1991 as a result of the measles epidemic that killed nearly 150 people. Carter and Bumpers have been working on immunizations since their husbands were governors in the early 70's and have been credited with the passage of laws mandating school-age vaccination requirements in every state. The goals of ECBT are to raise awareness of the critical need for timely immunizations and to foster a systematic way to immunize all of America's children by age two. To forward its agenda, ECBT enlists the support of elected officials and their spouses, concerned community leaders, and representatives of many national organizations.

ECBT works with immunization partners nationwide to educate those who effect policy decisions regarding immunizations and to seek funding for state immunization programs who are responsible for the delivery of vaccines to the uninsured and underinsured children of this nation. The cofounders and staff of ECBT travel throughout the nation to highlight the need for continued vigilance to ensure that the 12,000 babies born every day receive life saving vaccines in a timely manner.

ECBT works in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to conduct educational programs for healthcare providers. Much of our efforts focus on ensuring that electronic immunization registries are fully developed and implemented throughout our country. This electronic medical record helps physicians ensure that their patients receive all their vaccines on time and help parents keep track of their children's vaccines.

ECBT spearheaded efforts to attain a Presidential directive to ensure that children who receive benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) are screened at each certification visit to ensure they are up to date on vaccines.

Every Child By Two has assisted in the development of programs and coalitions throughout the nation that seek to increase immunization coverage rates. We are well respected for our ability to mobilize grassroots campaigns, affect state and federal public policy, and execute programs that have lasting positive effects on the nation's public health system

Additional Information on Vaccines can be found at these websites: