The Importance of Childhood Vaccines

Immunizations are known as one of the greatest public health achievements. Vaccines have saved millions of lives and prevented the spread of diseases that once caused widespread illness and death.  

Polio is one example. In the mid-1900's, polio caused paralysis and sometimes death, but today there are no cases of polio in the United States thanks to the polio vaccine. However, polio is still present in some parts of the world where healthcare is not easy to access. So, when vaccination rates drop, diseases like polio can return quickly — as we’ve seen with recent measles outbreaks — which is why polio vaccination is still recommended.

As a parent, keeping your child safe and healthy is always a top priority. Unfortunately, children are especially vulnerable to disease because their immune systems are not fully developed at birth. That’s why following the recommended childhood vaccination schedule is one of the best ways to protect them.  

Keep reading to learn more reasons why childhood immunizations are so important.

Why Vaccines Matter for Children

Being that children are naturally curious (putting toys in their mouth, touching every surface), they are also frequently exposed to germs that can cause disease or illness. And since an infant’s immune system is not fully developed at birth, they are more vulnerable to illnesses that can turn life-threatening quickly. That is why childhood vaccines are recommended.

Childhood vaccines help your child build immunity before they are exposed to diseases like measles, chickenpox, or whooping cough. Getting vaccinated on time gives their immune system a head start, so when they do encounter a life-threatening illness, their body is prepared to fight it off.  

The Importance of Timely Vaccinations

Vaccines are most effective when administered according to the recommended schedules, which are based on a child’s developmental stages. These schedules are designed to provide protection at the right time. Many vaccines require multiple doses over time to build full immunity. Delaying or missing a dose can leave your child unprotected. This is particularly critical for infants, who are at a higher risk for severe illness and complications from preventable diseases.

Additionally, childhood vaccines often provide long-term immunity, offering years or even a lifetime of protection against diseases like measles, chickenpox, and whooping cough. Keeping up with the vaccine schedule helps make sure your child gets the protection they need.

Combating Misinformation

Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation about vaccines. You may have heard they are unsafe, harmful, can lead to autism, or that our bodies are equipped to naturally fight off infection. Here’s the truth:  

Vaccines are safe and effective. There is extensive lab testing done on each vaccine before it is recommended to the public. Clinical studies take years to complete to ensure the utmost safety, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and National Institute of Neath (NIH) continuously monitor vaccine safety and effectiveness.

Most side effects are mild and short-term, like a sore arm or low-grade fever. Serious side effects are extremely rare. Ultimately, the benefits of protection far outweigh the possible side effects.

Vaccines do not cause autism. This persistent myth began with a single study that was later retracted. The claim has been thoroughly debunked by multiple large-scale studies. It's natural for parents to have questions, but it's important to rely on evidence-based information when making decisions about your child's health.

Vaccines give the immune system a head start. Our bodies are resilient, but they’re not always equipped to handle serious diseases on their own — especially in infants and young children. Building immunity through natural infection can come with serious risks, including complications, hospitalization, or even death. While natural immunity from a prior infection can offer some protection, it may not be as strong or long-lasting as the immunity provided by vaccines. In addition, some viruses change over time, so vaccines need to be updated to keep up. That is why you can get some infections multiple times throughout your life — like the flu and COVID-19. Getting a shot every year helps protect against the latest strains. Vaccines offer a much safer, more reliable way to protect your child and help their immune system do its job. 

Stay on Schedule and Stay Protected

Vaccinating your child on time helps protect not only them but also helps prevent the spread of these diseases to your friends and loved ones. When more people are vaccinated, disease have less chance of spreading.  

Stay on schedule with well-child visits and talk to your child’s healthcare provider about keeping up with recommended vaccines. These regular checkups are a key opportunity to ensure your child stays protected and your provider can answer any questions you might have.  

Most families decide to follow the recommended vaccination schedule. The American Academy of Pediatrics publishes a childhood vaccine schedule, which you can access on their website.