When children are born and as they grow older, they need to take get vaccines to protect them from certain viruses and diseases. As a parent, you may wonder why children need so many of these injections and if they are really useful. The following facts should help shed more light:
Vaccines are safe
Vaccines are very safe. According to the CDC, the vaccine supply in the United States at the moment is the safest in the nation’s history. Millions of children receive these vaccines yearly without complications.
Vaccines may have side-effects but they are negligible
Vaccines only have minor side effects that last for a few days at the most. Side effects may include mild pain or soreness at the injection site, or a minor fever. In return, your child is protected from disability and critical diseases like whooping cough and measles.
Vaccines cannot overload your child’s immune system
No, vaccines cannot overpower your child’s immune system. Rather, the antigens make the immune system stronger and better able to fend off diseases.
There is no link between vaccines and autism
Some people claim that the vaccine used to prevent MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) may lead to autism in kids. However, there is no medical evidence to back these claims and vaccines are in no way connected to autism.
All vaccines are important
There are different vaccines to protect against different diseases and a flu shot does not protect your child against polio. Take all the injections as recommended by your pediatrician to ensure that your child remains healthy.
If you want to vaccinate your children or you have more questions about vaccines, visit Pediatric Healthcare of Northwest Houston. Call 281-655-1500 or 936-539-8190 to make an appointment.
