How safe are vaccines?
As a parent, it's important to be aware of anything going into your child's body, whether it be breast milk, formula, solids or vaccines. It is your right to know and understand the advantages and disadvantages of vaccines.
Why Vaccinate?
Due to infant vaccines, childhood deaths have dramatically decreased. Not only do vaccines keep your own child safe but others he may come in contact with as well. It's a public safety measure.
Mild Side Effects
There may be redness or swelling at the injection site for a day or two. Fever or a small rash could result as well as mild joint pain.
Serious Side Effects
Vaccines have been known to produce anaphylactic shock, and in some cases, the oral polio vaccine has caused paralytic polio. But these are very rare instances.
Autism Connection
According to the Institute of Medicine National Academies, "Based on a thorough review of clinical and epidemiological studies, neither the mercury-based vaccine preservative thimerosal nor the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine are associated with autism..."
Wide Support
Vaccines are supported by the following medical groups: Institute of Medicine, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, World Health Organization, National Institutes of Health, Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Tags: Institute Medicine, Side Effects, your child