JACKSON, Wyo. – As summer rolls on and a new school year beckons, childhood vaccines are top of mind for many parents. And while the vast majority of children in the U.S. receive routine vaccines according to physician recommended schedules, overall coverage rates have decreased in recent years.
The reasons for the decrease are complex. Persistent misconceptions and myths about the risks of childhood vaccines have spread online and in real life. Policy changes have shifted schedules and revised recommendations. All of this has contributed to an environment where parents may feel hesitant and unsure about what to believe, and what’s right for their family.
While the science is clear on vaccine efficacy and safety, it’s understandable for parents to have questions. After all, what could be more important than the health of their child?
To help parents separate fact from fiction when it comes to vaccines, St. John’s Health spoke to St. John’s Health family medicine physician Dr. Katie Noyes. After all, in a world of wellness influencers and AI chatbots, nothing beats real advice from a real doc who understands firsthand the types of questions that local families are navigating.
Why are childhood vaccines important?
Vaccines help protect babies and children by teaching their immune systems how to fight and protect themselves from germs and disease. Without them, children are at risk of serious illness, or even death.
Childhood vaccines are also essential for the health of the broader community, says Dr. Noyes. “Not only can the choice to vaccinate your child prevent death and serious illness in your own children, it protects the entire community.”
“For many diseases, including measles and whooping cough, a community needs at least a 95% vaccination rate to achieve herd immunity. Once vaccination rates fall below that, our community is at risk for outbreaks,” says Dr. Noyes.
Here’s another way to think about it: When you vaccinate, you’re not only protecting yourself and your own child, but also the newborn or grandmother who lives next door.
What should parents know about potential side effects or risks?
All vaccines undergo extensive testing and are found to be safe before they ever reach your doctor’s office.
“Everything in life has risks and benefits,” says Dr. Noyes. “The benefits of vaccines, specifically the prevention of death, serious illness, and hospitalization, far outweigh the risks.”
That said, minor, short-term reactions like redness, soreness, or a low-grade fever can occur. “These can be managed with observation and pain relievers. They’re considered normal vaccine reactions, are not dangerous, and usually resolve within 24 hours.”
How are routine vaccine schedules developed?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a routine vaccine schedule for children based on rigorous scientific research and expert medical guidance.
“The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Medicine, and the CDC all agree on the research-based, currently recommended vaccine schedule,” says Dr. Noyes.
Is there ever a reason for parents to delay or consider an alternative schedule?
“Delayed or alternate vaccine schedules have been developed due to parental concern, not because there is a scientific basis to the alternative schedules,” reasons Dr. Noyes.
However, she’s always willing to work with parents on a plan that feels comfortable. “I am happy to work with families who would like an alternate schedule and can make recommendations as to which vaccines to prioritize.”
Should parents worry about the number of vaccines children receive early in life?
“Children’s bodies can tolerate multiple vaccines at once,” says Dr. Noyes. “In fact, there may be a synergistic effect in which the immune response to these vaccines might be even better than if they were given one at a time.”
There’s also practical reasons to follow the routine schedule: “I prefer fewer visits with more vaccines than more frequent visits over a longer period of time,” says Dr. Noyes. “I vaccinated my own children according to the recommended schedule.”
Are there any trusted resources you recommend for parents who want to learn more about childhood vaccines?
“I trust the websites of both the Academy of Pediatrics and the Academy of Family Medicine,” advises Dr. Noyes, adding that parents can also trust peer-reviewed academic medical center websites including mayoclinic.org or clevelandclinic.org.
Is there anything else you’d like local parents and families to know?
Dr. Noyes encourages parents to dig deep and really consider the possible outcomes of their vaccine choices:
“Many vaccine preventable diseases are rare, but the risks are high. Is it likely that your child will get HIB meningitis in their lifetime? No – but are you willing to take that risk? How would you feel if your child got a vaccine preventable illness that resulted in hospitalization or death? Are you willing to take the risk to find out?”
Do you have any questions about vaccines?
Your local family doctor is the best resource to turn to. Our team at St. John’s Health is always here for you and your family.
Learn more about pediatric and primary care at St. John’s Health Family Medicine, or call (307)739-6111 to schedule an appointment for your child.
