Many serious diseases may be
prevented by vaccinations or immunizations.
Vaccines work to protect infants, children,
and adults from illnesses, disease, and death
caused by infectious diseases. Some of these
diseases that are preventable by receiving the
vaccination include polio, measles, diphtheria,
pertussis (whooping cough), rubella (German
measles), mumps, tetanus, and Haemophilus influenzae
type b (Hib). According to the Center for Disease
Prevention and Control, or CDC, “vaccines
are the best defense we have against infectious
diseases”.
The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) work to make vaccines as safe as possible.
Unfortunately, no vaccine is completely safe
or effective. Mild, short lasting side effects
are not uncommon upon receiving vaccinations.
These mild side effects may include general
discomfort, a low fever, or soreness where the
vaccine was injected. Very rarely, people experience
more serious side effects such as an allergic
reaction. If someone has a reaction to a vaccine,
it is important to get him or her to a doctor
right away. Make sure to let your doctor know
what happened, the date and time you received
the vaccine and when you had the reaction. All
significant reactions are reported to the Vaccine
Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). The
doctor, nurse, or health department will file
a form to report the reaction.
It is important for you to understand the benefits
and the potential risks of the vaccine before
you or your child receives it. There have been
concerns raised about the risks of receiving
vaccinations and some people should not get
certain vaccines.
Some tips about receiving vaccinations:
