Family Physicians academy list
5 things parents should know
about vaccinating their children
Amid the rise in vaccine hesitancy and misinformation circulating, the Michigan Academy of Family Physicians is sharing the five most important things every parent should know about vaccinating their children.
“Michigan family physicians are proud to be a trusted resource and source of credible information for our patients, including on the very important topic of childhood vaccinations,” said Bashar Yalldo, MD, president of MAFP and family physician in Howell. “There is unfortunately lots of confusion and misconceptions out there about vaccines and we want parents to know they can always come to us for honest, evidence-based answers to their questions.”
To cut through all the confusing and sometimes conflicting information, family physicians from MAFP have provided the following tips for Michigan parents:
1) Vaccines ARE much, much safer than the diseases themselves.
--Vaccines work by helping the body identify potential infections, so that the immune system can fight diseases faster and more effectively when exposed. They go through rigorous, ongoing scrutiny long after clinical trials conclude.
2) Vaccines ARE effective, preventing serious illness and death, even if sickness still occurs.
--Vaccines significantly reduce the likelihood of getting sick from infectious diseases and, in many cases also greatly reduce transmission. A common misconception is that if you get sick, the vaccine didn’t work. Most vaccines can’t prevent all infections from starting, but will lessen the severity of illness and risk of complications.
3) Vaccines DO NOT cause autism.
--This rumor has been dispelled by many studies. Huge, robust studies (spanning millions of children across many countries) have not found a causal link between autism and vaccines.
4) Children DO get more vaccines than in the past and that it based on advancements in science
--Children do get more vaccines than in the past and that it is ok! We have gotten better at developing vaccines and targeting immune protection more efficiently. Advances in medical research have also led to many new vaccines that have further reduced childhood illnesses.
5) Children DO need vaccines even though diseases are less common than in the past
--Although many diseases are no longer widespread in most U.S. communities, children still need vaccines to maintain their immunity especially since many of these diseases are only a plane trip away. Without getting vaccinated, the risks of these diseases coming back will grow.
Dr. Jennifer Morse, medical director for Central Michigan, Mid-Michigan, and District Health Department #10 and Assistant Professor at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine reminded parents:
“Despite recent headlines, the science behind vaccines and what’s needed to keep your children safe from preventable death and serious illness has not changed. Vaccine hesitancy threatens health and community safety and it’s critical that parents are armed with accurate information, which family physicians are always ready to provide.”
Currently, only 68% of children 19 through 35 months of age have received all the recommended vaccinations, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. In March 2019, that rate was 73.5% for children in that same age group.
Childhood immunizations are readily accessible and available to Michiganders. Parents can obtain them by making appointments with their family physician to keep themselves, their loved ones, and others they come in contact with safe. Immunizations are also accessible at local health departments, health centers located within schools, and pharmacies, and some school districts are hosting immunization fairs.
Michigan Academy of Family Physicians is the state’s largest medical specialty, representing more than 4,200 family physicians, family medicine residents, and medical students across the state. For more information, visit www.mafp.com
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