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Supportive and non-judgmental advice from SBCHC's health experts.
A Parent’s Guide to Understanding Vaccines
By: Alyssa Robinson
As a parent, you want to do everything you can to protect your child’s health and well-being. One of the most important ways to safeguard your child from serious illnesses is through immunizations. We often hear questions from parents about vaccines, and we want to make sure you have science-based information to make the best decision for your child.
Why Are Vaccines Important?
Vaccines help protect your child from a range of serious, preventable diseases such as measles, whooping cough, polio, tetanus and chickenpox. Many people have never seen (or even heard of) these illnesses thanks in large part to immunizations! For example, measles was actually considered eradicated in the United States in the year 2000. Vaccine-preventable illnesses can lead to serious complications, hospitalizations, and even death. Vaccines strengthen your child’s immune system by helping it recognize and fight specific pathogens (germs) without causing the disease itself. By vaccinating your child, you not only protect them but also help prevent the spread of these diseases within the community, creating a healthier environment for everyone.
What Vaccines Does My Child Need?
From birth through adolescence, your child will receive a series of vaccines, each designed to protect against specific diseases at the optimal time in their development. At the South Boston Community Health Center (SBCHC), we follow the immunization schedule recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). This schedule was created and is updated by a group of medical and public health experts based on extensive scientific research and evidence.
Here’s a snapshot of some of the key vaccines your child will receive during their first few years of life:
- Hepatitis B (HepB): First dose given shortly after birth to protect against liver disease.
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP): Protects against whooping cough (severe respiratory illnesses), tetanus infection (can cause lockjaw and ultimately death), and diphtheria (dangerous bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract).
- Polio (IPV): Helps prevent polio, a disease that can cause paralysis.
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR): Protects against three dangerous, highly contagious viruses that can cause pneumonia, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), inflammation of the testicles and ovaries, birth defects
- Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib): Prevents serious bacterial infection that can cause meningitis, pneumonia, swelling and closure of the airway.
- Pneumococcal Vaccine (PCV): Protects against infections caused by pneumococcus including pneumonia, ear infections, meningitis, bloodstream infections.
- Varicella (Chickenpox): Prevents chickenpox which can lead to bacterial infections of the skin, pneumonia, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), birth defects
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Prevents infection with high-risk strains of HPV, a virus that can cause cervical, penile, and throat cancers
- Hepatitis A (HepA): Protects against viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver
Are Vaccines Safe?
We understand that vaccine safety is a top concern for many parents. Rest assured, vaccines go through extensive testing and rigorous reviews by medical experts before they are approved for use. In fact, vaccines are among the most studied medical products available, and their safety is continuously monitored even after they are approved.
Like any medical intervention, vaccines can have side effects, but most are mild and temporary- such as soreness at the injection site or a mild fever. Serious side effects are rare, and the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks of not vaccinating.
See part II of our blog series addressing some of the most common myths about vaccine safety as well as more information about vaccine ingredients.
What Happens if My Child Doesn’t Get Vaccinated?
Choosing not to vaccinate your child puts them at risk for contracting preventable diseases, which can have serious consequences. It also increases the likelihood of outbreaks in the community, especially among vulnerable populations such as infants, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. These individuals depend on “herd immunity”- the protection that comes when a high percentage of the population is vaccinated- to stay safe. For example, herd immunity against the measles requires about 95% of the population to be vaccinated. By vaccinating your child, you’re helping to ensure that we all remain safe from the spread of dangerous diseases.
What If My Child is Behind on Vaccines?
If you’re concerned that your child is behind on their vaccinations, it’s not too late to catch up. The catch-up immunization schedule helps guide pediatricians in giving the necessary vaccines as soon and safely as possible. At SBCHC, we’re here to help you create a plan to keep your child safe.
Immunizations are one of the best ways to keep your child healthy and protect them from preventable diseases. We understand that you may have questions and concerns as the internet and social media have allowed for the spread of both information and misinformation. We encourage you to reach out to our office if you ever have questions. Together, we can keep your children and our communities safe and healthy.
At the South Boston Community Health Center, we’re committed to providing high-quality care and helping you make informed decisions about your child’s health. Stay updated with our latest health tips by visiting our website or following us on social media.
Vaccine information- Resources for parents:
- Parentdata.org (by Emily Oster)
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Vaccine Education Center
- CHOP Parents PACK (VEC-associated resource)
- Johns Hopkins Institute for Vaccine Safety
- Healthy Children Vaccine Safety
Measles outbreak- Resources for parents:
