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| |    The Importance of Immunizations by Lynn Cates, M.D., F.A.A.P. reviewed by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P. Adapted from: National Network for Immunization Information (NNii) Copyright 2000, and the National Immunization Program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). One of the most important things you can do to protect your child's health is to see that she receives all of her recommended immunizations--and that she receives them on time. Vaccines have been proven to be one of the most effective tools ever created to help people live longer and have healthier lives. They work by preventing infectious diseases, some of which have the potential to cause long-lasting or permanent health problems, or even death. Success stories Vaccines work. They have prevented serious illness and death in millions of children just like yours. Dramatic examples of the effectiveness of vaccines include complete eradication of smallpox disease throughout the world, and significant progress toward global eradication of polio. Measles is the next disease slated for eradication. Here are examples of other successful immunization programs in the United States:
These falling rates of vaccine-preventable diseases make many parents in the United States, as well as in other countries with high immunization rates, wonder whether or not there is any need to immunize their children. They think that if other children are being immunized, their own children won't be exposed to the disease. Unfortunately, as long as the disease is circulating anywhere, a child is at risk of becoming infected if she is not immunized - particularly in this age of frequent global air travel. For example, measles is so common in other parts of the world, it accounts for one million deaths every year. In 1998, 71 percent of measles cases in the United States were imported from outside our borders. The disease is so contagious that a single sick child brought into a community can trigger a widespread outbreak. Similarly, as long as poliovirus circulates anywhere in the world, people who have not been immunized can carry it into the United States and transmit it to unimmunized children. Understanding immunizations If you are like most parents, you probably have lots of questions about immunizations and why it is important for your child to be immunized. We will continuously update the immunization information that we provide to keep you abreast of the latest information. If you don't find information you need, please let us know by submitting questions to our experts. Other sources of immunization information Other valuable sources of information on immunizations include:
Much of the immunization information provided on drSpock.com has been adapted from the excellent educational materials created by the National Network for Immunization Information (NNii) and the National Immunization Program (NIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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