As back to school time approaches, many children need to make a visit to the pediatrician for their immunizations. Although there has been some recent controversy about vaccines, doctors still recommend them for everyone’s health and safety. The guide below explores some of their most crucial benefits.

Why Parents Should Be Pro-Vaccine

1. Prevents Disease

Simply put, vaccines prevent serious and sometimes fatal diseases. As of today, only smallpox has been completely eradicated by vaccines. However, the number of people infected by other diseases has decreased considerably. Since the introduction of the polio vaccine, for instance, the number of annual cases of polio has decreased from 15,000-20,000 per year to almost zero. Other diseases, such as whooping cough and measles, have also declined significantly.

2. Lowers Fatality Risk 

Sadly, children in the U.S. are still dying due to vaccine-preventable diseases. Infants, for instance, cannot receive the whooping cough vaccine until they are older, but if they contract the illness from someone else, it can be fatal. Therefore, doctors try to create what is referred to as “herd immunity.” Essentially, when the majority of individuals in a population are immune to a disease, there is less risk of that disease spreading if someone contracts it. The more people who are immunized, the less likely there is to be a major outbreak. The fewer people who are protected, though, the more likely it is that many people will get sick. Therefore, your immunity to meningitis, the flu, and more potentially life-threatening conditions can protect someone who is more vulnerable, in addition to lowering your own risk.

3. Vaccines Are Safe

Some parents express concern to their pediatrician about the safety of vaccines. However, the risk of contracting a vaccine-preventable disease is far greater than the risk of an injury from the vaccine itself. In fact, doctors note that many of the evidence for vaccine injury is anecdotal, and studies indicate that immunizations are safe for the majority of people. Vaccinations are routinely monitored, and any concerns are investigated thoroughly. 

If your children need immunizations before returning to school this year, make an appointment with a pediatrician at Island Hospital in Anacortes, WA. The team of experienced and compassionate doctors is committed to keeping your child healthy through preventive care at all stages of their growth. In addition to routine care, they offer a walk-in clinic, state-of-the-art emergency room care, and a comprehensive surgery center. To learn more about their offerings, visit their website, or call (360) 299-1300 to schedule an appointment.