Immunization Tips for Moms - brought to you by Cuddlebugs

Immunization Tips for Moms - brought to you by Cuddlebugs

August 2, 2011

Myth or Fact: Your child has a greater chance of developing autism if you follow vaccination guidelines. This is a myth. Some people believe increased exposure to thimerosal (a compound used in some vaccines) explains the higher prevalence of autism cases in children over recent years. However, evidence from several studies examining trends in vaccine use and changes in autism frequency does not support such an association. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

One of the top ten questions new parents ask their pediatrician is whether they should vaccinate their infant. To vaccinate or not to vaccinate is a major topic in today’s society. What was once seen as miraculous is now questioned exhaustively. Fear of potential complications has trumped a proven method for preventing diseases. Immunizations in the US have an incredibly safe track record.

Since August is Immunization Awareness Month, Woman’s Hospital’s CuddleBugs program is addressing this oftentimes controversial subject from the medical community’s point of view. If your baby is two months old, you’ve already been asked to begin vaccinating against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, hepatitis B, haemophilus type b and pneumococcus.

Here are a few of the reasons why, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics:

• Vaccines save lives and protect against the spread of disease. If you decide not to immunize your child, you put your child at risk. Your child could catch a disease that is dangerous or deadly. Getting vaccinated is much better than getting the disease.
• Vaccines work. They have kept children healthy and have saved millions of lives for more than 50 years.
• Vaccines are safe. All vaccines must be tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA will not let a vaccine be given unless it has been proven to be safe.
• Vaccines are necessary. In many parts of the world, many vaccine-preventable diseases are still common. Since diseases may be brought into the United States, it’s important that your children are vaccinated.

We urge parents to research vaccines from trusted sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the American Academy of Pediatrics and then bring their questions to their pediatrician. They care for your baby’s health and wellness and can offer guidelines tailored to meet your child’s individual needs.

If you have questions or concerns about immunizing your infant, please follow doctor’s orders and consult with your trusted pediatrician.

About CuddleBugs

CuddleBugs is a free program designed to provide answers to new and expectant moms from the earliest stages of pregnancy through post-delivery – including guidance for newborn care. For more information about CuddleBugs, visit www.CuddleBugsBaby.com.

Remember that this information is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor, but rather to increase awareness and help equip patients with information and facilitate conversations with your physician that will benefit your health.

For more information:
Sharee Lucius
Assistant Director of Marketing
sharee.lucius@hma.com
601-936-1157