Erica’s World

Every parent must decide if they are going to immunize their child. With the possible link between Autism and vaccinations, many parents have opted not to immunize their children. Many still opt to have their child vaccinated. It is still a requirement for entry to school. It is important for every parent to look into their school district’s requirement for vaccinations if they are still weary about vaccinating their child. It is important that every parent become aware of why a child is vaccinated and the possible risks of vaccinations so he/she can make the best decision for his/her child.

Why do we vaccinate?

Vaccinations are a cost effective way to prevent infectious disease. Each child is administered a shot of antigenic material or vaccine so he/she can build up his immunity to the disease. Children are vaccinated to prevent diseases like mumps, rubella, small pox, measles, Hepatitis A, and polio.

Do Vaccines Work?

Vaccines do work. Millions of children have been protected from serious illness such as whooping cough and diphtheria because parents had their child immunized. Most childhood vaccines are 90% to 99% effective in preventing disease. When a child is not vaccinated, he has no protection against many deadly diseases. Some 50 years ago parents of children crippled by polio thought it a miracle when scientists created a polio vaccine. Now polio is unimaginable. It is true children are hurt by the pinprick of a needle when administering a vaccines. The positives outweigh the negatives when considering to vaccinate your child.

Vaccination Schedules