Vaccines are one of the most powerful tools we have to protect children from serious illness. But in recent years, vaccine hesitancy has become more common. Parents may have questions, doubts, or fears about one or more vaccines and the schedule on which they are given. Parents might want to delay or choose certain vaccinations or opt out altogether. These feelings can be influenced by many things, including personal beliefs, cultural values, past experiences, or conflicting information from online sources or social circles. As recent measles outbreaks have shown, low vaccination rates can quickly lead to the return of preventable diseases, underscoring the importance of staying up to date with routine immunizations.

Some parents are cautious about making decisions about vaccination for their children, whether due to fear or information overload. Sometimes, it’s hard to know what or whom to trust, especially with so many competing voices in today’s digital world.

In this blog, we will outline the most common concerns about vaccines, clarify misconceptions, and explain why vaccines are an essential part of keeping your child safe and healthy.

Why Do Some Parents Feel Hesitant About Vaccines?

Many parents have been exposed to misleading information online or through word of mouth in recent years. Social media allows conjecture to spread rapidly and widely, often packaged in emotional, persuasive stories from other parents that feel more real than the science. Some common worries include:

• “Do vaccines cause autism?”
This is one of the most widely shared topics. It began with a study in the 90s that the scientific community has discredited. Today, major health organizations around the world—including the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics—agree that there is no link between vaccines and autism.

• “Are kids getting too many vaccines at once?”
It might feel like a lot when you look at the vaccination schedule, but your child’s immune system handles far more threats every single day from things like dust, food, and germs than from any vaccine.

• “Is natural immunity better?”
Some parents prefer to let kids get the illness and build immunity naturally. While it’s true that getting sick can lead to immunity, it’s also much riskier. Measles, for example, can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, brain swelling, or even death. Vaccines offer protection by helping the body build immunity without the risks of serious illness.

• “I’m not sure I trust the government or pharmaceutical companies.”
This concern is understandable, especially for communities that have experienced medical injustice. However, vaccines are among the most studied and monitored health products available. Many different organizations around the world, not just government agencies, test and monitor vaccine safety closely and continuously.

What Happens When Kids Aren’t Vaccinated?

When children don’t get vaccinated, they’re more vulnerable to catching and spreading preventable diseases. Some of these diseases, like measles or whooping cough, can be especially dangerous for infants, toddlers, or children with underlying health issues and suppressed immune systems.

Outbreaks of these diseases tend to happen when vaccination rates drop in a community. Even if your child is healthy, skipping vaccines can put others at risk, like newborns who are too young to be vaccinated or children going through cancer treatment who cannot safely receive vaccines.

Vaccines help protect your child and the entire community. According to the CDC and organizations like the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, here are five important reasons to vaccinate:

1. Vaccines prevent serious illness: Diseases like measles, tuberculosis, and polio may seem like things of the past, but they still exist. Unvaccinated children are more vulnerable when outbreaks occur.

2. Vaccines protect others: Some children, like those with certain medical conditions, cannot safely get vaccinated. When most of the community is vaccinated, these children are protected through herd immunity.

3. Vaccines are effective: Modern vaccines are the result of decades of rigorous research. Side effects are usually mild, and serious reactions are extremely rare.

4. Vaccines are often required for school: Most public schools and childcare programs require vaccinations for enrollment. Staying up-to-date helps ensure children can attend school without disruption.

5. Vaccines prevent long-term health problems: Many diseases that we vaccinate for cause long-lasting damage. For example, mumps can cause hearing loss, and HPV is linked to several cancers.

Where to Find Trusted Vaccine Information

Making informed decisions starts with having a conversation with your child’s pediatrician. TopLine MD Alliance pediatricians can answer questions and provide recommendations based on science and your child’s health history.

Trusted resources include:

• CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

• WHO (World Health Organization)

• UNICEF

• HealthyChildren.org (from the American Academy of Pediatrics)

• National Foundation for Infectious Diseases

When using social media, always consider the credibility of the source and look for diverse perspectives. Many once hesitant parents changed their views after learning from others who experienced serious consequences from preventable illnesses.

Protecting Your Child’s Health Through Vaccination

It’s normal to want to consider all the information before deciding on matters of your child’s health. Delaying or skipping vaccines can leave your child vulnerable during the most important years of development when their immune system is still growing and they’re around other children in daycare, school, and playgroups.

Vaccines are one of the most effective and proven ways to protect your child and others in your community. Choosing vaccination means choosing prevention, protection, and peace of mind.

Dr. Gomathy Mohan is a proud member of the TopLine MD Alliance, practicing Pediatric Care in Palm Beach County.

The TopLine MD Alliance is an association of independent physicians and medical practice groups who are committed to providing a higher standard of healthcare services. The members of the TopLine MD Alliance have no legal or financial relationship with one another. The TopLine MD Alliance brand has no formal corporate, financial or legal ties to any of the affiliated physicians or practice groups.