Benefits of children's vaccinations: `how safe is it to bypass vaccinations that have been a part of growing up?' - Expert Advice on Health and Fitness - Brief Article

Q As a mother of three young children, I try to make sure that they get whatever routine vaccinations and other medical attention that experts recommend, trying to be sure that they can grow up as healthy as possible. However, I'm a bit confused. I hear that certain vaccinations are no longer necessary because certain diseases are under control and no longer a threat. Is this true, and how safe is it to bypass the normal vaccinations that have been a part of growing up? M.V., New York

A In earlier generations, many children suffered communicable diseases like polio and whooping cough, but the development of vaccines has made such diseases almost non-existent and has improved the overall health of millions. Unfortunately, many parents no longer get their children immunized, wrongly assuming that because immunizations have prevented certain diseases for so many years the diseases are no longer a threat.

Doctors stress that if the level of disease control in the nation is to be maintained, children will have to continue to be vaccinated. Vaccines can protect your child from 12 potentially troublesome diseases, including measles, mumps and rubella, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis; polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b, hepatitis B, chickenpox, hepatitis A and pneumococcal disease. At least one shot is required for each of these immunizations, but some require several doses.

Medical experts say some parents have been afraid to get their children immunized because of reports of possible side-effects associated with certain vaccines. But doctors say vaccines are safe, even though--like any other medicines--they can occassionally cause reactions.