Childhood immunizations protect the broader community

As families prepare for a new school year or routine check-up, pediatrician Nina Alfieri, MD, of Lurie Children’s says there is one simple action parents can take to protect their children: “Vaccines are a powerful tool that helps keep children safe from serious, sometimes deadly, diseases,” she said.

When children get their shots on schedule, they are not just guarding their own health, they are also helping keep their whole community healthy.

Vaccines work by teaching the body’s immune system how to recognize and fight germs.

“They contain tiny, harmless parts of a germ. Your child’s body learns to recognize these parts and build a defense,” Dr. Alfieri said. If the child encounters the real germ later, their body is ready to stop it, often before it can cause serious illness.

This protection is especially important for young children, who are more vulnerable to certain diseases. Without vaccines, illnesses like hepatitis B, polio, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox can cause hospitalization, long-term health problems, or even death.

“These illnesses are serious and preventable,” Dr. Alfieri said. “Vaccines give your child the best chance to stay healthy.”

That protection begins early in life, with immunizations for infants, and continues through childhood and adolescence.

Vaccines are also among the most closely studied medical products available. Before they are approved for use, they go through years — sometimes up to 15 years — of research and testing. They are reviewed by independent experts and official health agencies to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Most children experience only mild side effects, such as soreness at the injection site or a low-grade fever that lasts a day or two. Serious side effects are extremely rare, and Dr. Alfieri encourages parents with concerns to discuss them with their pediatrician.

“We want families to have accurate information so they feel confident about protecting their children,” she said.

While it’s important to keep vaccinations on schedule, missed appointments can happen. Dr. Alfieri said parents should not worry that a missed dose means starting over.

“If your child misses a dose, talk with your pediatrician. You won’t have to restart the series,” she said.

Parents can help by keeping a copy of their child’s immunization record, making sure their doctor’s office has up-to-date contact information for reminders, and rescheduling missed appointments as soon as possible.

High vaccination rates also protect the broader community. When most children are immunized, it creates what health experts call “herd immunity,” which shields people who cannot receive vaccines for medical reasons, such as allergies or weakened immune systems. Maintaining high rates of immunization makes it harder for diseases to spread, protecting schools, playgrounds, and neighborhoods.

Declines in vaccination rates can have serious consequences. In recent years, outbreaks of measles and whooping cough have been traced to communities where immunization levels dropped.

“It’s one of the most important steps you can take to protect your child and those around them,” Dr. Alfieri said.

Childhood immunizations save lives, and by keeping up with vaccine schedules, parents help ensure their children and the wider community have the best protection possible.

• Children's health is a continuing series. This column was provided by Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.