The health and wellness of your child is always a priority, but the winter season tends to highlight the desire for a healthy kid amongst an uptick of easily spread illnesses and exciting holiday festivities drawing near. As you prepare for a fun-filled holiday season, it’s important to consider preventative measures so that your family can focus on making long-lasting memories without sickness being part of the story.
The conversation surrounding children’s vaccines can be full of questions, concerns, and even misconceptions. Understanding the role of vaccinations can help you feel better prepared to protect your child’s health throughout the holidays. Let’s unpack some considerations regarding children’s vaccinations and tips for how you can safeguard your little one’s health this season.
Understanding Vaccines
Vaccines work by introducing a weakened version of a disease-causing agent (AKA a virus or bacteria) into the body, which triggers the immune system to create antibodies against that pathogen and trains the body to fight off that type of infection without causing illness.
The winter months see an increase in commonly spread illnesses like the flu or RSV due to the colder weather and indoor social gatherings. Vaccines play a critical role in preventing these infections, making it so that your family can participate in community events with lesser risk of contracting an illness. By staying up-to-date on vaccines, you’re contributing to “herd immunity,” which protects those who are unable to be vaccinated, such as infants, pregnant women, or those with weakened immune systems.
Colorado Vaccine Guidelines
Colorado follows the guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The schedules created by these organizations outline when children should receive their vaccines, based on age and health needs. Additionally, Colorado has immunization requirements for children who attend school. Typically these vaccines are for diseases like measles, chickenpox, and mumps–diseases that are highly contagious.
Check out cdc.gov or aap.org for more information regarding immunization schedules and helpful resources to better understand the different vaccinations available.
Misconceptions About Vaccines
There is overwhelming evidence that supports the safety and efficacy of vaccines, but there are many misconceptions commonly spread that can cause confusion and fear among parents trying to make the best decision for their child’s health.
One common misconception about vaccinations is that they can cause autism. This claim originated from a discredited 1998 study that was later retracted by its author. There has been extensive research looking into possible links between vaccinations and developmental conditions, but the results of these studies disprove any such links. A 2015 study funded by the National Health Institute found that there was no correlation between the MMR vaccine and autism, even in higher-risk children.
Another misconception about vaccines is that they are full of chemicals that do more harm than good. While vaccines do contain preservative ingredients and rely on chemical reactions that enhance the response from an immune system, these substances are used in very small and safe quantities. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology says, “Any substance can be harmful in significantly high doses, even water. Vaccines contain ingredients at a dose that is even lower than the dose we are naturally exposed to in our environment.”
Vaccinations undergo rigorous research and testing before they are released for public use. They are an essential tool in keeping children and communities safe from contracting dangerous illnesses. Don’t let misconceptions about immunizations scare you; research vaccines and talk to a trusted pediatrician about any concerns you may have. Making an informed choice benefits not only your family’s health but also that of your community.
