Childhood Immunizations: Debunking Common Fears

Immunizations: The Big Debate
Today, there is much controversy concerning whether childhood immunizations are safe or even necessary. An abundance of research conducted over the past decades, disproves immunizations cause harmful side effects or unnecessary. However, people are still doubting having their children immunized despite the research. Major fears among immunizations include they cause autism, the short immunization schedule, and if they are truly necessary and safe for children to receive. Many of these fears come from outside influences of other people. Immunizations were safely developed to prevent the outbreak of childhood diseases, and the statistics behind receiving them proves that immunizations are safely effective.

Babies and small children receive a set of vaccinations accumulating up to almost 30 by age two. This may seem like a lot for one child to handle, however it is important to keep in mind all the exposure they have to harmful pathogens every day. Immunizations are set in place to help build a stronger immunity to these antigens because a child’s immune system is not strong enough to fight these harmful pathogens off at a young age. Another reason they receive so many immunizations by age two is because of developmental timing. During which the vaccines received overlap with when children with autism spectrum disorder may have noticeable symptoms that allows for detection prior to immunizations. (Maron) It is necessary for children to receive their immunizations as scheduled. There is no benefit in delaying the time a child receives their them. Therefore, a child should follow the immunization schedule guidelines provided by the

The CDC would not allow the administration of them if they were harmful or posed potential risk to the public. Research shows there is no link to immunizations causing autism, and there is more research being conducted to further prove this fact. The set schedule by the CDC for immunizations proves to be beneficial, rather than delaying them. Immunizations may have some potentially harmful side effects, however they safe for children and necessary for immunity against harmful diseases. It is vital that children be immunized because it will only help them become resistant to the pathogens they encounter every