Vaccines and children are a huge topic of debate these days, even though doctors and scientists struggle with why since there’s no evidence at all that supports the anti-vaccination position. Unfortunately for the public health, there is no federal law that requires vaccination – it’s left up to every state how they want to handle infectious disease and children attending school.
Babies get their first couple of vaccines in the hospital, and then most doctors have a schedule to get through the vaccines for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, rubella, and chickenpox by the time a child turns two, and then several further immunizations by the time a child is 18. Schedules may vary from state to state, or even at different offices, but with more and more physicians making the decision not to accept unvaccinated patients, it’s more important than ever for parents to educate themselves on the benefits of vaccines.
If you’re wanting to know more about vaccines and how they affect your children and others, here are 5 studies completed in 2018 that should be on your morning reading list.
#5. This study found that the recommended vaccination schedule is safe.
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In March, a study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association that confirmed the safety of the childhood immunization schedule. It also found that exposure to the recommended vaccines during the first 23 months of life isn’t associated with any increased risk for infections of any type.
#4. This study proved that the HPV vaccine helps prevent cervical cancer.
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If you’re on the fence about the HPV vaccine, which protects against a STD that currently infects 80% of the population and can cause cancer, read this. Researchers at Cochrane published new evidence that shows the vaccine is, in fact, effective at preventing the development of cervical lesions.
To repeat – it’s a vaccine that successfully protects against certain types of cancer.
People who are vaccinated between the ages of 15-26 see the greatest protection against the disease.
#3. This study shows there’s no reason not to get your kids a flu shot.
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In an age where up to 30% of parents plan to forgo the flu shot for their kids, this study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that kids who receive a flu shot show no signs of a weakened immunity in following years.
In fact, multiple vaccinations actually tended to increase protection against common strains of the virus.
#2. This study proves that vaccines in general don’t weaken a person’s immunity.
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This weakening immune system argument is popular among anti-vaxxers, but this study found that it’s simply not true. In fact, there is no significant difference in the level of immunity against non-vaccine-targeted infection.
In sum, vaccines don’t weaken a child’s immune system.
#1. And this study shows how we can change attitudes about vaccines. #priceless
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A Psychological Science in the Public Interest study found that people tend to avoid vaccines because of perceived barriers as opposed to a lack of knowledge. So, research found that indirect behavior modification is the best way to change opinions – like auto-scheduled appointments and financial incentives provided by employers.
The more you know!
