3 Faqs Regarding Vaccinations For Children
If you have a child who is going to need vaccines soon, you may be wondering if they are really necessary. With so many people arguing against vaccines, it's hard to know what is true and what is sensationalism. Check out these three frequently asked questions regarding vaccinations for children, so you can get the facts.
What Diseases Do Vaccines Prevent?
In simple terms, vaccines work by tricking your immune system into thinking you have the disease. As a result, your immune system creates antibodies that prevent illness. Vaccines, of course, don't protect against every disease. There is no vaccine to protect your child from the common cold or pink eye, but vaccines are designed to protect your children from the most deadly diseases, most of which have been almost eradicated in the United States.
These diseases include measles, whooping cough, polio, chicken pox as well as many others. Not only do they protect your child from illness, but they protect others too. Babies don't have all the vaccines they'll need later, so by ensuring older kids are protected, your baby is more protected too.
Is Breastfeeding Enough to Transfer Immunity?
Breastfeeding is quite popular among new mothers and not just because it promotes bonding. The milk your baby receives from the mother is also filled with antibodies that help keep the baby safe during this vulnerable time in their young life. This is because babies have little to no antibodies for even minor colds. The breastmilk gives them antibodies to fight these diseases.
Unfortunately, some people believe this is all that is needed to protect babies from serious diseases, but that isn't the case. Breastfeeding doesn't protect against every disease vaccines do. Plus, the antibodies provided by the breastmilk are only temporary.
Are Vaccines Safe?
A lot of parents, regrettably, fear that vaccines are not safe for their child. Despite what their doctor says, they choose to allow their child to get sick naturally. However, most of the diseases that have vaccines have been gone (or are extremely uncommon) for a long time, so young human bodies are not equipped to fight them properly. As a result, non-vaccinated kids can suffer from paralysis, brain injury and even death.
There are sometimes some side effects of vaccinations. However, as with adults, children react differently to vaccines. You may have one child that has no side effects and another who experiences them all. The side effects, however, are minimal and include soreness at the injection site and a low-grade fever.
Don't avoid vaccines just because they seem unnatural. Vaccines are the best way to protect your child and others from serious illnesses that can kill. If you would like more information regarding vaccines, contact a pediatrician in your area today.
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