One of the most important decisions a parent makes is whether or not to vaccinate their children. Routine childhood vaccination has currently come under fire due to a perceived association with the development of autism reinforced by the media and other unproven sources. Unfortunately, as a result more and more parents are choosing not to immunize or have decided to delay vaccination beyond the recommended time frame for completion. This seems to be an easy decision for parents to make because vaccine preventable diseases are not seen anymore. 

 

The success of childhood vaccination is more than apparent with the decline of life threatening and serious infections. Thus, a child paralyzed by polio or left neurologically devastated by haemophilus influenza type B meningitis is not at the forefront of parent’s minds when they decide not to vaccinate. This has led to a false sense of security which unfortunately may prove detrimental to the health of our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. When one child in a well vaccinated community is not vaccinated, the chance of contracting a vaccine preventable disease is small because the majority of the population is protected. However, if more and more children are not vaccinated, then this protection decreases and our children become more at risk. Vaccines are the most important tool available today to continue to protect our children from preventable diseases, outbreaks and epidemics.

 

So, what is all of the fuss about?! Thimerosal, which is a mercury-containing preservative used previously in some vaccines was thought to be the link between vaccines and autism. The only documented side affect caused by thimerosal was redness and swelling at the injection site. Thimerosal was taken out of vaccines in 2001 except for certain multidose vial influenza (Flu) vaccines. Single dose Flu vaccines are thimerosal free. MMR, IPV, Varicella, and Prevnar never contained thimerosal. Of note, the rate of autism actually increased in some studies after 2001 with the removal of thimerosal thus further indicating that thimerosal’s association with autism is nonexistent.   

 

The Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine has also been a confusing topic. There have been extensive studies done to determine if there is an association of this vaccine with autism. These studies have not found any relationship between them. The MMR vaccine is given at 12-15 months and four years of age. Most cases of autism are diagnosed around the time that the first MMR is given. Since the signs of autism become more apparent and more easily diagnosed at 12-15 months, a perceived causal but unproven relationship between MMR and autism developed. There is also no published scientific evidence which shows that there is a benefit to separating the MMR vaccine into three separate shots.

 

Vaccinating children according to the recommended schedule is also very important. A great deal of study and thought is given to deciding when to give each shot. It is based on the time children are more at risk for contracting a disease, developing complications and mounting a good immune response. With this information, a schedule is determined which will protect the most children at the earliest age possible. Delaying vaccinations decreases protection and increases the risk for contracting vaccine preventable diseases. 

 

Parents have been so overwhelmed with conflicting information that they are rightly confused as to how to proceed. The most valuable source of information is the pediatrician. Please do not hesitate to voice any concerns or to ask questions about vaccinations during your child’s appointments.

 

For further information, please visit www.cdc.gov, www.whattoexpect.org, www.immunize.org and www.cispimmunize.org.