Truth in Pediatrics: Vaccination Myths That Cause More Harm than Good

Some parents in Colorado choose not to have their kids vaccinated. This ability to say no to something, which is heavily regarded as a public health concern, is sparking some serious debates on the matter.

pediatrics

“Vaccines are an important part of community health,” Nicole Neill, a registered nurse, told reporter Eric Lupherin in an interview with 7News. “You opt out for the entire community as a whole and everyone you are in contact with.” Neill’s son Patrick has asthma and is more susceptible to disease. Her son’s condition is why she’s concerned with having her son near other children who haven’t been vaccinated by a pediatrician.

“He could end up in the hospital,” she reasons, “because someone who was not vaccinated carried an airborne illness that could possibly infect him.”

Vaccination and Your Child

Over the years, many misconceptions about vaccines have developed, causing a growing number of parents to refuse to vaccinate their children, as is the case with the story above. As immunization rates continue to drop, vaccine-preventable diseases are now enjoying a season of resurgence. Measles hit an all-time high in 2011, and it appears that whooping cough, diphtheria, polio, and mumps cases are headed that way as well.

Overcoming Vaccination Fears

Fear over the safety of vaccines is understandable. After all, it’s your child’s health that’s on the line. The CDC vaccination schedule calls for 14 inoculations by the age of six. Due to the prevailing myths, many parents are worried about the potential for risks and long-term side effects. However, research has, time and again, concluded that most of parents’ biggest fears about vaccinations are unfounded. Here are some of the biggest myths about them:

Myth #1: Vaccines cause autism – The paper that launched this controversy has been completely discredited. The author lost his medical license and his paper was retracted.

Myth #2: Infants can’t handle so many vaccines – Infant immune systems are stronger than you think. Theoretically, antibodies in infants can handle as much as 10,000 vaccines at one time. Your child only needs 14.

Myth #3: Natural immunity is better than vaccine-induced immunity – There is some truth to this myth, as actually catching a disease and recovering from it allows the body to build a stronger immunity to it. However, the risks of this approach far outweigh the benefits.

Vaccinations in Littleton

Now that you know the truth, it’s time to act. Have your child vaccinated at trusted pediatrics offices in Littleton, such as Focus on Kids Pediatrics. The pediatricians at these practices will be able to guide you through your child’s vaccination schedule in order to keep your child healthy and happy as he grows.

Sources:

To vaccinate or not to vaccinate: Choice sparks the debate over public health, The Denver Channel, Aug. 5, 2015

Vaccine Myths Debunked, PublicHealth