We have all heard about the “negative” effects of vaccines. There are a whole host of anti-vaccine websites and initiatives that claim harmful and disturbing effects for children. It is scary to hear about and it is natural to wonder if any of it might be true. We love our children. We want them to be healthy and happy. We want the best. But, these negative claims lack significant (or any) scientific evidence to make a valid statement. Their observations are limited and shallow, giving us no conclusive truth on any extreme or dangerous side effects of vaccination. So are vaccines safe?
YES! They are extremely safe. Millions of children and adults are vaccinated each year with mild, to no side effects at all. (Simple swelling and irritation where the vaccination was done is the most common side effects) You can be confident about your child’s safety when you bring them in. Not only is the process of receiving vaccinations safe, but they improve and even save lives. Here are a few facts about them:
Table of Contents
16 Dangerous Diseases Prevented
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) says that modern vaccines help prevent 16 deadly diseases. These include:
- Diphtheria
- Haemophilus Influenza type b
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Human Papillomavirus
- Influenza
- Measles
- Meningococcal
- Mumps
- Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
- Pneumococcal
- Polio
- Rotavirus
- Rubella
- Tetanus (Lockjaw)
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
70 to 90 Percent Decrease
According to CDC statistics, all of the preventable diseases have decreased dramatically since the pre-vaccine era. All but a few diseases boast an impressive 90 to 100 percent decrease. The others stand around 70 to 88 percent. This is a conclusive evidence that vaccines have saved millions of lives over many years.
1 Disease Eradicated
Smallpox is gone. Because of vaccinations, the number of smallpox cases continually decreased until finally it disappeared. The disease actually no longer exists. This event offers hope for many other vaccines that are administered today. We hope that one day we can diminish the number of these diseases to the point that they are eliminated. It is about improving lives now, and protecting lives in the future.
Vaccines benefit millions of people every year. They are safer than ever and will help give you and your children longer and happier lives.
Photo copyright to Senior Airman Areca Wilson