Are Childhood Vaccines Helpful or Harmful? Here Are 4 Things Parents Need to Know by Joyce Knestrick, CRNP, FAANP

Kids' Health
6 years ago

Are Childhood Vaccines Helpful or Harmful? Here Are 4 Things Parents Need to Know

Vaccines prevent more than 2.5 million deaths each year, but some parents are still wary of life-saving shots. Here are the facts you need to know about childhood vaccines and why the benefits outweigh the risks.

  • Vaccine-preventable diseases still exist. Vaccines have brought disease rates way down, but we are not beyond the threat. Did you hear about the measles outbreak at Disneyland?
  • Herd immunity will not necessarily protect your child. Even if everyone around them has been vaccinated, only disease antibodies can protect your child if they come in direct contact with a disease.
  • While any vaccine can cause side effects, they are typically minor. Side effects can include redness, swelling and joint pain. Serious side effects are extremely rare, and vaccines are monitored to ensure public safety.

Every parent wants to protect their children from harm and keep them safe. Unfortunately, skipping vaccines isn’t the answer. To learn more about vaccine safety, find a nurse practitioner near you at NPFinder.com or visit CDC.gov.

The information on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information provided through this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal health care provider.

Donna John
This is such a scary topic for many parents. Thank you for sharing these important facts, and welcome to the tribe, Joyce Knestrick, CRNP, FAANP !
Ann Marie Patitucci
Thank you for this important info, Joyce Knestrick, CRNP, FAANP! And welcome. We're lucky to have you in the tribe!
Nicole DeAvilla
Thanks for this tip Joyce Knestrick, CRNP, FAANP ! Welcome to the tribe.
Elisa Schmitz
Seems like this is a controversial topic for some parents these days, so it's great to get the facts out there. Many thanks for sharing, Joyce Knestrick, CRNP, FAANP , and welcome to our #30Seconds tribe. We look forward to learning and growing with you!
Rachael Daniels CPNP-PC, CLC
Yes, yes, yes!! There is so much misinformation out there! As a pediatric ER nurse I have seen the effects of whooping cough, pneumonia, meningitis, & influenza. Parents need to understand that side effects are so rare & misinformation is dangerous! Great tip!

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