Answering Your Questions about Child Immunization
Every year, during the last week in April, health care providers in more than 180 countries recognize World Immunization Week, a global public health campaign initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness and increase the rates of immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases. In our last blog on childhood immunization, Dr. Raymond Deeb and Dr. Ashley Brown explained a little bit about how vaccines work and why they are so important. This week, we’ll answer some of the questions most frequently asked by parents at Briarcliff Pediatrics about vaccines and immunization.
Is it a good idea to space out my child’s vaccinations so they don’t get as many at once?
No, it is not. Some have argued that getting fewer injections stretched out over a longer period of time is less stressful for an infant, or that too many vaccinations at once might overwhelm a new immune system. Both of these theories are completely false. Studies have shown that it is just as stressful for babies to receive one shot as it is to receive more than one shot during a single visit, and when those immunizations are spread out over a longer period of time it only places those children at a greater risk of getting vaccine-preventable diseases. The vaccination schedule that we follow at Briarcliff Pediatrics has been developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, in cooperation with experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Family Physicians. The effectiveness of this vaccine schedule has been tested extensively to ensure that the vaccines do not interfere with one another and can be easily handled by the infant and the child’s immune system. No new immunizations are ever added to the schedule until they have been thoroughly evaluated, both alone and when given with the other current immunizations, to assure they do not have any negative complications or interactions.
Are the additives in vaccines safe?
Vaccine additives are completely safe, although there can be rare exceptions in specific cases. Different additives are added to certain vaccines in order to help keep them effective while they are being stored, and some have suggested that these additives are potentially harmful. However, these ingredients have been studied extensively and have proven to be safe for humans in the tiny amount used in vaccines. In fact, the minute amounts that are used are actually much less than what a child might encounter in their environment, food, or water every day. Although very rare, should your child have a specific allergy or medical condition which contraindicates certain vaccine administration, the Briarcliff Pediatrics providers will work with you to determine the best course to follow in order to keep your child safe.
Do vaccines cause autism?
No, there is absolutely no evidence that any vaccine causes autism. This discredited allegation can be traced back to 1998, when a researcher named Andrew Wakefield authored a paper claiming that there was a link between the administration of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine and the appearance of autism and bowel disease. It was later discovered that Wakefield had planned to benefit financially from this manufactured MMR vaccination scare, and that his entire study was deliberately falsified. Wakefield has since been brought up on multiple charges and has been barred from practicing medicine in the UK. Today, no respectable body of opinion believes that any vaccine and autism are causally linked.
At Briarcliff Pediatrics, we are committed to the safety and well-being of all children, which is why we follow the American Academy of Pediatrics vaccine schedule and do not delay or space vaccines. During your regular scheduled well-child visits, immunizations are administered beginning at one week of age so that they can be completed before school entry at age five. In addition, we will provide you with detailed printed material to read about each of these vaccinations, including possible side effects, so that you can be fully informed. If you have any additional questions about childhood vaccinations, or if you would like to come in for a complimentary meet and greet so that you can talk in person with Dr. Deeb or Dr. Brown and get a tour of our newly renovated office, just contact Briarcliff Pediatrics and schedule an appointment. Don’t forget to follow us on social media to get up to date health tips and the latest news in children’s health care.
