SURVEY: Do you think babies receive too many immunizations?

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Until and unless they provide background data on the incidence of these conditions and diseases among the NEVER vaccinated, all comparisons are inadequate and conclusions unwarranted. - SM

 

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Report: Multiple Vaccines Don't Harm Babies

Many Parents Concerned About Effects Of Immunizations

POSTED: 5:52 p.m. EST February 20, 2002

WASHINGTON -- Getting up to 20 vaccinations by age 2 does not increase a child's risk of diabetes or various infections, according to a new study.

However, the report, conducted by the National Academies' Institute of Medicine, found that the evidence is inconclusive as to whether the immunization schedule increases the risk of asthma.

The increase in vaccine numbers and doses given to infants in recent years has led to concerns among some parents about possible adverse effects from so many immunizations.

 

 SURVEY

Do you think babies receive too many immunizations?

Yes, it hurts their immune systems.

No, they're all necessary vaccines.

I'm not sure.

Results  |  Disclaimer

Recent surveys suggest about 25 percent of parents fear that getting a lot of shots could overwhelm immature immune systems and cause infections or immune disorders.

But the research suggests the infant immune system can easily handle immunization. Researchers found that multiple immunizations do not increase the risk of young children developing various infections, ranging from colds and ear infections to pneumonia and meningitis.

"Like any drug, no vaccine is 100 percent safe, but this report should at least assure parents that getting so many immunizations during infancy is not causing diabetes or increasing the risk of certain serious infections," said committee Chairwoman Marie McCormick from Harvard School of Public Health in Boston.

The immunization schedule in this country has grown complex over the last 20 years. In 1980, infants were vaccinated against four diseases -- diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and polio. Today, most healthy infants get up to 15 shots of five vaccines by the time they are 6 months old, and up to five additional shots of seven more vaccines by age 2.

Additional Resource:

  • Institute of Medicine

Copyright 2002 by Channel3000.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritt

ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE.  THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.