“By the time a child reaches two years of age, he or she should potentially be protected from these preventable diseases through immunization,” said Dr. Jeb Teichman, pediatrician at Clark Memorial Hospital.

“Many parents feel that it is not necessary to immunize their children against these illnesses, because many of the diseases are rarely seen. But that is not true.”

Although immunizations have been successful at reducing the number of cases of these childhood illnesses, the illnesses are still out there. Parents also have forgotten how serious these diseases can be. They all can cause severe illnesses and even death in some cases.

“Protecting your child from these diseases is critical, since his or her immune system is not strong enough to provide protection,” said Dr. Teichman.

The immune system protects the body from invading germs that begin reproducing. The immune system responds by making proteins called antibodies. The antibodies have two jobs: to help destroy the germs that are making the body sick and then to remain in the bloodstream guarding against future infections. This process is called immunity.

Varivax, the Chicken Pox vaccine, is an example of a vaccine that is created from the same germs, or parts of the germ, that cause the disease. But the germs in the vaccine are weakened or killed to prevent the child from becoming infected. The immune system reacts to the deadened germs by making antibodies.

“Immunizations help the child’s immune system do its work,” said Dr. Teichman.

The exciting news in vaccination technology recently is vaccines that combine several vaccinations into one. A new vaccine called Pediarix combines the DPT, polio, and Hepatitis B vaccines into one injection, so your child will get fewer injections. Other combination vaccines are in the works and hopefully will be approved by the FDA soon.

“Child immunization works,” said Dr. Teichman. “We are diagnosing fewer and fewer cases each year, proving immunization is crucial to the health and well being of children.”

There are immunization success stories. Even though Haemophilus Influenzae type b bacteria is still causing disease in the adult population, because of immunization, it is almost never seen anymore in children. A newer vaccine, called Prevnar, is seeing similar results for meningitis caused by strep pneumonia, with some studies showing decreases in disease incidence by as much as 69 percent in the last three years. This is good because these bacteria have the capability to resist to many antibiotics. 

"Over the years, there have been several issues raised against immunization," explains Dr. Teichman. 

“There have been reports that some vaccinations may cause some serious conditions like multiple sclerosis or may lead to developmental disorders like autism. While these stories have caused much concern for parents and pediatricians alike, they all have been disproved,” said Dr. Teichman. “As pediatricians, we would never use any treatments where the risks associated with that treatment are greater than the rewards gained.” 

Dr. Teichman encourages parents to discuss immunization with their pediatrician or family health care provider, and to also know the regulations and requirements for their child’s daycare and school system. “Several local agencies, schools, and daycare centers require a child to be immunized before he or she can be enrolled.”