The Facts About Childhood Immunizations

Date: 07/16/18

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. To keep your child healthy, he or she should get the right vaccines, or immunizations, at the right time. There are many myths about vaccines that may make you wonder, as a parent, whether vaccines are safe for your child. Here are the facts that all parents should know about vaccines:

Vaccines do not cause autism.

The myth that vaccines cause autism is often linked to the vaccine for Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR). This vaccine is given in two doses, between ages 12 through 15 months, and again between the ages of 4 and 6. Many studies have been done and found no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.

Vaccines should be given at the right time.

There is a reason that your doctor has a specific immunization schedule for your child. Delaying vaccines puts children at greater risk of diseases, like measles and pertussis. Click here for the immunization schedule recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If your child is behind on any of these vaccines, schedule an appointment with your family’s doctor to get caught up.

Vaccines are effective.

Most childhood vaccines are very effective when given properly in the right doses and at the right time. Most vaccines are given in a series of doses over a period of time. To be protected, your child needs each dose at the right time.

Remember: As a Louisiana Healthcare Connections member, your child earns rewards for completing his or her well-child visits. During these well-child visits, your doctor will talk to you about the immunizations your child needs. If you have questions about these vaccines, be sure to ask your doctor for more information.