Why are vaccines given at such an early age?
Vaccines are given at an early age because the diseases they prevent can strike at an early age. Some diseases are far more serious or common among infants or young children. For example, up to 60% of severe disease caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b occurs in children under 12 months of age. Infants less than 6 months of age are at highest risk for serious complications of pertussis – 72% of children under 6 months who get pertussis must be hospitalized, and 84% of all deaths from pertussis are among children under 6 months. The ages at which vaccines are recommended are not arbitrary. They are chosen to give children the earliest and best protection against disease.
Vaccines are given at an early age because the diseases they prevent can affect children at an early age. These ages are chosen to give children the earliest and best protection against disease. Why do children need so many shots? Some of us did not receive many vaccines when growing up. There were no vaccines for the measles, chicken pox, or mumps. So, we got those diseases! The simple answer as to why children get so many shots is because they can. There are more vaccines that help prevent more diseases in our children. More combination vaccines are available to reduce the number of shots children will need. How safe are vaccines? Vaccines are very safe but they are not perfect. Sometimes they can cause a reaction such as a sore arm or slight fever. Serious reactions are rare. It is important to remember that the vaccines are much safer than the diseases. Your health care provider will discuss the benefits and risks for each vaccine your child will receive. What will happen if my chi
