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

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.

• You can prevent 14 potentially deadly diseases by the time your child is 2 simply by following the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s vaccination schedule.

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.