BRIDGET DUFFY, M.D.
Providence Pediatrics
Northpointe
How many diseases are vaccinated
against in childhood?
Fourteen, including measles, polio
and pertussis (whooping cough).
Why do we start giving
vaccines so early?
The recommended schedule for
vaccination is designed to protect
children before they are exposed
to dangerous infectious diseases.
What about an alternative schedule?
There are no known benefits to
following an alternative immunization
schedule. When you follow a schedule
that spreads out or skips vaccines, you
risk your child being exposed to illness
without the protection of the vaccine.
Does a vaccine give my
child the disease?
No. Vaccines help the body safely
develop immunity. They imitate an
infection to do this, but they do not
cause illness.
The recent measles outbreak sparked nationwide headlines and once again,
spirited discussion about the pros and cons of vaccines in the parenting world.
You've probably heard about the "controversy" surrounding vaccines for children.
And you probably have friends and family members weighing in on your decision.
Providence Health Care supports the pediatric vaccination recommendations
of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the health system
encourages parents to learn as much as possible about vaccines and their
benefits and risks.
Vaccine
Q&A
What side effects should I expect?
Most side effects are minor—they
include fever as well as redness and
swelling at the injection site. Serious
side effects are rare, but if you notice
something in your child that concerns
you, call your child's doctor.
Don't vaccines cause autism?
No. There is no scientific evidence
to support a link between vaccines
and autism.
Where can I learn more?
The CDC is a great place to start:
cdc.gov/vaccines
Talk to your child's health care provider.
Ask questions. Collect information
you need to make the right decision
for you and your family.
Providence answers common questions
about childhood immunization.
Here are some of the questions Providence
providers hear the most often.
Does your
child need a
pediatrician
or primary care
physician?
Providence Health Care
locations are accepting
new patients at our
south and north side
clinics. Visit providence.
org/provider-directory.
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