New parents have confusing information about baby vaccinations. For years, babies were vaccinated against anything and everything but the question is that now with many of the major illnesses gone, do babies still need to be vaccinated? The truth is that even with vaccinations, people still get illnesses such as pertussis and measles. Although the number of occurrences is lower, they do happen.
Although many major illnesses are gone, such as polio and mumps, which were commonly vaccinated against years ago, children should still receive immunization according to most professional pediatricians. One of the problems is that children who have not been vaccinated are more likely to pass disease to young babies or even the elderly who have weaker immune systems.
The bottom line is that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention strongly recommends vaccination as a preventative measure. A second potential risk is that we see a larger number of people coming in and going out of the country, for business or personal travel. These individuals could easily be carriers of illness that again, babies, small children, and elderly cannot fight.
Sadly, many myths exist around baby vaccinations. For instance, one of the standard immunizations is called an MMR, which stands for measles, mumps, and rubella. The problem is that a rumor has started that babies getting this vaccination are at greater risk of developing autism. The truth is that any rise in autism cases during the time the MMR was at its highest level of administration is only coincidental and nothing more.
Baby vaccinations are a way of protecting your baby against common illnesses that could lead to serious problems. Keep in mind that not everyone agrees that immunization should be given but study after study supports for vaccinations. If you have questions or concerns, you should sit down with your baby’s pediatrician to understand what each vaccination is and why it is given. Keep in mind that some vaccinations must be given according to current law.