Here in Bucks County, PA, and all over the world, childhood vaccinations have saved countless children from suffering and death due to severe childhood diseases. The cases of measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox, polio, whooping cough, and other serious childhood infections have practically disappeared, thanks to these childhood vaccines and improved healthcare.
However, some people have come to the conclusion that since the diseases are now quite rare, the shots are no longer necessary. Because of this, the illnesses are making a resurgence in some areas. For instance, while measles was declared eradicated from the U.S. in the year 2000 by the W.H.O., since 2010, hundreds of cases a year have occurred, with more than 1200 in 2019.
Parents should talk to their children’s doctors about the necessity of childhood vaccinations. The most important childhood vaccines have been in service for decades, and throughout that time, medical teams have been continuously monitoring and improving them. These include:
- DTaP, which protects against diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus
- MMR, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella
- Hib, which protects against a type of bacterial influenza occurring mostly in infants and young children
- IPV, which protects against polio
The recommended childhood vaccine schedule is designed to provide immunization when the child’s immune system can best support the action of the vaccine. However, this can be adjusted as necessary, specific to your child’s needs, with the consultation of your doctor. For instance, if your child is ill during the time when a vaccine would normally be administered, the CDC recommends delaying the vaccine until your child’s immune system is again working robustly.
If your child is immunocompromised, talk to your doctor about the best steps to take for each of the vaccines. Your doctor may recommend a delay of one or another type of shot until your child is stronger.
Most childhood vaccines have few if any complications. Occasionally a vaccine may cause a sore arm, redness, crankiness, or a low-grade fever. Your doctor will inform you of what to expect and what symptoms may be of concern, necessitating a call to the doctor’s office.
The likelihood of a serious reaction to these long-standing and proven childhood vaccines is minute, while the complications from the diseases themselves are severe. Only just a few generations ago, most families experienced the sorrow of losing a child to one of these devastating diseases.
We at BCHIP are here to help you make an informed decision to protect your children and other children from these serious illnesses. If you do not have a doctor for your child, contact us to answer any questions and help direct you to an excellent doctor in your area.
