Question: Will it hurt my child to get several shots (vaccines) at one time?
Answer: Research shows that it’s safe to get all recommended vaccines today. And luckily, some are available in combination vaccines, so there are less shots to get. Any time you delay a vaccine, you leave your baby vulnerable to disease, so it’s really best to stay on schedule.
Question: Will my child be okay if he or she has a side effect? I know someone whose baby had a serious reaction – will my baby too?
Answer: Vaccines are continually monitored for safety, and deciding not to immunize your child could put him or her at risk. We are happy to look at the Vaccine Information Statements with you and talk about how rare serious vaccine side effects are. The most common reaction is swelling at the injection site.
Question: Do vaccines cause long-term side effects? Will getting a vaccine permanently hurt my child?
Answer: We have decades of experience with vaccines and no reason to believe that vaccines cause long-term harm. We understand your concern, but I truly believe that the risk of diseases is greater than any risks posed by vaccines. Vaccines will get your baby off to a great start for a long, healthy life.
Question: I’ve heard some parents say their child’s behavior changed after receiving vaccines; how do you know vaccines don’t cause autism?
Answer: No, vaccines do not cause autism. In 1998, a doctor wrote a paper suggesting they might, but scientists later found that not only was he wrong, but his proposal also contained serious ethical violations. His paper was retracted because it was not true. Since then, extensive scientific research and large studies have found no link between vaccines and autism. Vaccines help protect us from dangerous diseases and keep people healthy.
