The Pros / Cons and Common Questions About Childhood Vaccinations

by Amy Kinkel, MD

March 2007

Many parents have questions about why their children are expected to receive so many vaccinations at such a young age.  They question the safety and efficacy of such practices.  Some parents have sufficient concerns about immunizations that they choose to not get their children vaccinated.  This website is designed to look at some of the common concerns about vaccinations and to describe the issues involved.  The goal is to assist parents and others in making well informed decisions about vaccinations.

These  are some of the common concerns about vaccinations that are addressed on this web site:

• Are vaccines effective?  Do vaccines really protect from disease?

• How safe are vaccines?  Who monitors the safety of vaccines?

• Are vaccines really necessary?

• Who should not get vaccinated?

• Is an infant's immune system too immature to handle vaccinations?

• Aren't vaccines un-natural?

• What is the issue about thimerosal?  Is it dangerous?

• Is there a link between vaccines and autism?

• Why should babies get injections that make them cry?

• What if vaccines are too expensive?

Every parent is encouraged to educate themselves about vaccinations in order to make sound decisions about their child's healthcare.

Links:

Vaccination schedule

Vaccine Education Center - Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Canadian Coalition for Immunization Awareness & Promotion