A generation ago, Americans faced one of the most contagious diseases in the world—so contagious that just one infected person could spread it to nearly all their close contacts.
Each summer for decades, they also faced a dreaded childhood illness that could cause paralysis and respiratory failure.
Thanks to immunizations, these illnesses—measles and polio—and many others have been largely eliminated in the US.
And though we don’t often see these diseases in our communities anymore, they are only a plane ride away. The germs that cause them still exist around the world.
Just one case of polio would reintroduce it in our country if people aren’t immunized, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
That means that the threat of disease is still out there for anyone who is not immunized, including infants too young for vaccinations and children with medical conditions whose vaccinations must be delayed.
Some parents oppose immunization out of concern for their children’s safety. Although this is understandable, medical evidence has proven that the risk of disease is higher than the risk of adverse effects from immunizations.
Some parents fear that there is a link between autism and vaccines. So far, no scientific evidence has supported this concern, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Many studies in the US and Europe have explored the proposed link between autism and vaccines containing thimerosal, a commonly use preservative. They have shown no link, the CDC said.
In fact, since 1998, thimerosal has been removed from or reduced in all vaccines routinely recommended for children 6 years of age and younger in the US, with the exception of inactivated influenza vaccine. The incidence of autism has continued to rise.
Vaccines are tested and studied for as much as 10 years before they are made available to the general public, and most side effects are mild. They include swelling, redness, and tenderness at the injection site.
As with any medication, vaccines can cause some side effects, or allergic reactions, in small numbers of people.
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If you have questions about immunizations, talk to your doctor.