Written by Laura Bottom, SIU Center for Family Medicine
Debate over vaccinations for children continues, but according to family physician Dr. Michal Dynda, vaccines are perfectly safe and effective. “Vaccines help keep many diseases at very low levels and reduce the number of children and adults who become ill,” Dr. Dynda says. “We have reduced the number of these disease; however, they are not completely gone because not everyone gets vaccinated.” Nearly all healthy children can be safely vaccinated, but if you have concerns, speak with your doctor.
Vaccines prevent a long list of diseases: Hepatitis A & B, mumps, measles, rabies, influenza and human papillomavirus (HPV), to name a few. “Vaccinating children is important in preventing many common illnesses that can result in lifelong effects,” Dr. Dynda says. “They also reduce the potential of spread to other children.” Dr. Dynda explains that several illnesses such as polio and meningitis have been almost eliminated, and the number of chicken pox cases has decreased dramatically.
Vaccines reduce the risk of infection by working with the body’s natural defenses to safely develop immunity to the disease. The best way to protect your child from certain diseases is by getting them vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a schedule of vaccines in childhood to prevent 16 diseases. “The purpose of the recommended immunization schedule is to protect infants and children by providing immunity early in life, before they are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases,” Dr. Dynda says.
Certain vaccinations are given in combinations, which Dr. Dynda explains is safe for children. For example, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis are given together in one shot, and a polio vaccine may be given at the same office visit.
And, vaccinations aren’t just for kids. Dr. Dynda also stresses the importance of adults staying current with their vaccinations. “The immunity for some of the preventable diseases can fade with time; therefore, adults should get booster vaccinations. Adults may have never been given the immunizations because it was not available when they were kids. Plus, depending on other factors like age, lifestyle, travel and high risk conditions, new immunizations are recommended to prevent illnesses from affecting these adults.”
Not sure if you’re up to date with your vaccines? Call SIU Center for Family Medicine at 217-545-8000 to schedule an appointment.
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