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Vaccines, also called immunizations, are one of the success stories of modern medicine. They are simply one of the effective ways to prevent disease.

The American Academy of Pediatrics urges parents to immunize their children. As pediatricians, we strongly recommend timely vaccinations because of what we know to be true: Vaccines protect our children from viruses and bacteria that can cause real and devastating harm. Just as you would never leave home without buckling your child into a car seat to protect them from a car crash, vaccines will protect your child from infectious diseases.

Unfortunately, during the COVID-19 pandemic, childhood vaccinations have decreased. According to today’s data, the percentage of U.S. children entering kindergarten with their required immunizations fell to 93% in the 2021-22 school year, 2 percentage points below the recommended herd immunity levels of 95% and lower than vaccination rates in 2020-21, when many schools and doctors’ offices were closed. This drop represents tens of thousands of children who are now at risk for deadly disease.

When herd immunity falls below 95%, it increases the risk of infectious diseases spreading across communities, including children who are too young to benefit from vaccines and those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical problems.

The recommended schedule of vaccinations has been researched and documented to be the most effective and safe way to protect our children. The vaccines are carefully timed to provide protection when children are most vulnerable and when vaccines will produce the strongest response from the child’s immune system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child have side effects from a vaccine?

It is not uncommon or unusual for your child to experience mild side effects or reactions after receiving a vaccine. These side effects are usually mild and go away within a few days. Examples of common side effects include redness at the site of injection, a sore arm, a low-grade fever, or fussiness/tiredness. These are normal, expected responses. They are not typically harmful to your child.

In the rare case that your child experiences more severe side effects, such as a rash, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing, you should seek medical attention right away.

Try to stay as close as possible to the recommended vaccine schedule, even if your child has a mild side effect. Remember, vaccines are continually monitored for safety.

Is it true that vaccines can cause autism?

Autism is NOT a side effect of vaccines. Many studies have tried to find a link between vaccines and autism, and the research is very clear that vaccines do not cause autism.

Is it safe to get multiple vaccine shots at one visit?

Yes, it is, as we know vaccines are safe. Millions of children have safely received vaccines together. Infants and children are exposed to many germs every day. Their immune system responds to these germs, also referred to as antigens, to keep their bodies healthy. Most children are exposed to 2,000-6,000 antigens per day. This is significantly higher than the amount of antigens in any combination of vaccines on the current recommended schedule (total of about 150 antigens for the entire immunization schedule).

Can the shots be spread out over longer period of time?

This is NOT a good idea, for several reasons. Children need to get their vaccines on schedule so that they can benefit from the protection that vaccines provide. The recommended schedule is designed to work best with a child’s immune system at certain ages and at a specific time interval between doses. There is no scientific reason why spreading out the shots would be safer. Delaying vaccines only leaves a child at risk of disease for a longer time. It does not make vaccinating safer. Sticking to the recommended schedule provides the best protection for your child.

Tips for Parents/Caregivers

• Ask your pediatrician if you can hold your baby on your lap (rather than having them lie on the examination table). Wrapping your baby’s upper body in a blanket while cradling them in your arms helps them feel safe but still allows the pediatrician to administer the vaccines.
• Distraction and comfort techniques can help your infant focus on something more pleasant. Some items or techniques include breastfeeding, pacifiers, teething ring, or listening to calming music in the background.
• Be a calm presence. Children, even infants, can notice a parent’s anxiety.
• Speak to your pediatrician about which fever/pain reliever is best for your child. Recently, some children’s fever/pain relievers were becoming difficult to find in stores. Consider having this medication ready at home before your child’s vaccination appointment, so that it is available if needed.
• When possible, schedule vaccination appointments for a time that is best for your child and schedule outside of nap times to decrease their fussiness.

For more information about childhood vaccines, immunization schedules, and parent resources, visit fideliscare.org/immunizations.

Additional Resources

• Risks of Delaying or Skipping Vaccines (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• Multiple Vaccinations at Once | Vaccine Safety (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• Vaccines for Infants, Children, and Teens (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services)
• Vaccination as a Cause of Autism—Myths and Controversies (National Library of Medicine)
• Autism and Vaccines (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention