Did you know that August is National Immunization Awareness Month? The annual observance highlights the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. It was established to encourage everyone – regardless of age – to make sure they are up to date on all recommended vaccines. The observance also raises awareness about the important role that vaccines play in preventing serious, sometimes deadly, diseases.

With school starting this month as well, it’s the perfect time to get educated on immunizations for your children. Many parents have heard rumors about vaccines causing serious health problems. So, how do you know what – and who – to believe? Your first source of information should be your child’s health care provider. They will give you written information on the benefits and risks of each suggested vaccine. Another reliable source is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Check out the CDC website for lots more helpful and detailed information.

Here are some frequently asked questions (with answers) regarding vaccines.

• Are immunizations safe? Yes. All vaccines are fully tested before being approved for use by the FDA. Vaccines contain a dead or weakened form of the disease-causing virus or bacteria. These cause the body to produce antibodies that protect the child from that disease.
• Diseases like polio and mumps are rare, so why are vaccines necessary? Many of these diseases still thrive in other parts of the world. Travelers can and do bring these viruses back to the United States. Without the protection of vaccines, these diseases could easily spread here again.
• Don't vaccines cause harmful side effects, illness and even death? Some children have minor side effects from being vaccinated, like a slight fever or swelling at the injection site. The risk for death or serious side effects is so small that it is difficult to document. Claims that vaccines cause autism or other diseases have been carefully researched and disproved.
• What is the association between vaccines and SIDS? Recommendations were developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to help reduce the risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related deaths in infants up to 12 months old. AAP says that making sure your child is fully immunized can help reduce the risk for SIDS. No evidence has been found linking vaccines as a cause of SIDS.
• What if we stopped vaccinating? If we stopped vaccinating, diseases that are almost unknown would stage a comeback. Before long, we would see epidemics of diseases that are nearly under control today. More children would get sick and more would die.

Remember, we vaccinate to protect our future. We want to protect our children, our grandchildren and their grandchildren. Vaccinations are one of the best ways to put an end to the serious effects of certain diseases.

Sources: The StayWell Company and https://www.cdc.gov/