Displaying items by tag: Chickenpox

Saturday, 05 May 2012 21:06

Common Vaccinations

According to the

s, there are 12 listed vaccines that children need:

In the first 6 years of life, according to the AAP’s schedule, a child should receive a minimum of 33 vaccines (including the yearly influenza vaccine.) If a child is considered “at risk” such as traveling out of the country or has certain symptoms, it is recommended that a child receives an additional booster (or more.)

The incidence of diseases such as Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Diphtheria are virtually none. These diseases devastated people in the past and it’s wonderful that people no longer have to live in fear of contracting one of these illnesses and suffering the potentially deadly consequences, especially when a child is involved. I would be absolutely devastated if one of my boys were to become incredibly ill and permanently disabled as a result of contracting one of these.

Additional Reading:

Reasons to Vaccinate

Reasons to Not Vaccinate

The Vaccination Debate: Why or Why Not to Vaccinate

Referenced Books:

Barham-Floreani, J., (2005). Well Adjusted Babies. Vitality Productions Pty Limited: Melbourne, Australia.

Romm, A.J., (2001). Vaccinations: A Thoughtful Parents Guide. Healing Arts Press: Rochester, VT.

Published in Baby's First Year

Reasons to Vaccinate

There is no doubt that infectious diseases can be devastating, especially when contracted by children. Even when these diseases don’t lead to death, the ramifications can be just as traumatic to both the child and her family. Polio may cause paralysis. Meningitis may cause brain damage, hearing loss, and seizures. Rubella in pregnancy may cause miscarriage or stillbirth.

Vaccinating may prevent someone from ever having to suffer these illnesses and the consequences. Who would want to suffer from being sick? Or worse yet, who would want to watch their child suffer from one of these illnesses if they could prevent it in the first place?

The medical community recommends vaccinations because they feel that the benefits of preventing the spread of these infectious diseases far outweigh the risks. Most medical literature you will find indicates virtually no risk to vaccinations. Vaccinations introduce a small amount of weakened or dead versions of the offending pathogen into the bloodstream. The immune system kicks in and begins producing antibodies, and subsequently kills off the pathogen with ease since it was not strong enough to overwhelm the immune system.

If the person is exposed again to the pathogen, their immune system immediately recognizes the pathogen and present antibodies quickly go to work to kill the pathogen. While there are some vaccines that are said to offer lifetime protection such as that of Chickenpox, others require periodic boosters such as Tetanus.

There are potential side effects to vaccines that can be found on the CDC website. Possible side effects differ for various vaccines, but some side effects that are common include mild fever, headaches, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal upset. Moderate and severe side effects are rare and again differ for different vaccines, but may include seizures, brain damage, and death.