Immunization is key to preventing numerous diseases and illnesses among the general population. Vaccines benefit both the people who receive them and those who, due to a history of allergic reactions, compromised immune systems or other health problems, cannot receive vaccines. These vulnerable populations rely on the people around them to have immunity because the infection cannot easily spread through the community if most people are immunized.
In 2012, the United States experienced the largest outbreak of pertussis, or whooping cough, in 50 years with more than 48,000 cases — including 20 pertussis-related deaths — reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. And in 2014, a record number of U.S. measles cases were reported to the CDC, with 668 cases from 27 states. This is the greatest number of measles cases since measles elimination was documented in the U.S. in 2000.
“How can you protect your kids from these and other potentially deadly diseases? Make sure they are up-to-date on their immunizations,” said Marilyn Coleman, MD, a board-certified pediatrician with Carousel Pediatrics, a Tanner Medical Group practice. “In recent years, fewer children are getting their vaccines on time — or at all. Not getting their vaccines on schedule puts kids at risk for serious infections like measles and pertussis.”
The consequences of fewer children being immunized in recent years has been discussed in the news, on talk shows, in social media and even around the dinner table. You may have even joined in those conversations. A lot of those conversations are about the safety of the vaccines.
New Report Backs the Safety of Childhood Immunization
If parents follow the government-recommended immunization schedule, their children may receive up to 24 injections by age 2 — sometimes up to five during a single visit. It’s intense, but the goal is to safely protect children at as young of an age as possible.
“Pediatricians and other health experts consider vaccines one of the most effective and safe ways to protect children,” said Dr. Coleman. “But some parents still wonder if the shots are too many, too soon, or if they are safe. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation circulating on the Internet.”
According to Dr. Coleman, a new report has examined the safety of the entire immunization schedule. It was prepared by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and reviewed by an independent committee of experts. After compiling all the evidence, the experts found nothing to support links between the current childhood vaccine schedule and these conditions:
- Autoimmune diseases
- Asthma
- Seizures
- Learning or developmental disorders, including autism
- Attention deficit or disruptive behavior disorders
Skipping or Delaying Shots Poses Health Risks
“In most cases, children must get the required shots before entering school or child care. Most parents are on board,” said Dr. Coleman. “According to the IOM report, 90 percent of children are fully or mostly vaccinated by the time they reach kindergarten, but we’d like to see that number increase.”
Some U.S. states allow parents to skip or delay vaccines for religious or personal beliefs. A recent study published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics suggests many families do just that. Almost half of children studied spent at least some time without all the recommended shots before turning age 2.
“Choosing not to vaccinate has led to new outbreaks of illnesses, such as measles and whooping cough,” said Dr. Coleman. “If you’re unsure what to do, make an appointment to speak with your child’s pediatrician. He or she can provide you with the facts about immunization benefits and risks, so that you can make the right decisions for your family.”
Following the vaccine schedule protects young children when they are most vulnerable. To review the schedule, visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules. For the CDC's 2015 vaccine recommendations for kids age 0 to 6 years, refer to this chart. For more information about the benefits of vaccination — as well as links to programs that may help make vaccines more affordable — visit www.vaccines.gov.
Dr. Coleman is a board-certified pediatrician with Carousel Pediatrics. More information about her practice is available online at www.CarouselPediatrics.org.