Vaccinations are one of the greatest advances in modern medicine. But they aren’t perfect. Know the facts and help lessen the trauma for your child

In one of the most vitriolic debates in medical history, vocal advocacy groups say that thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative used in vaccines, is responsible for the skyrocketing rates of autism among children around the world. An isolated study in 1998 also suggested a link between the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine with autism. These accusations have left many parents feeling confused and frightened about their children’s health.

But more than a decade of solid, transparent, and credible research — including the best minds of the Institute of Medicine, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the World Health Organization — has failed to find a true connection. In fact, 10 of the 13 authors of the original study have retracted the paper’s interpretation.  

Thimerosal has been removed from all childhood vaccines in the United States (manufacturers stopped using it in 1999), and still, there’s been no sign of a slowdown of autism rates. Thimerosal is still used in some childhood vaccinations in other countries, mostly in the developing world.  

If you’re concerned, start by talking to your child’s doctor. Many pediatricians are amenable to separating the MMR shot into single doses if requested and giving the MMR only until the possibility of autism is much lower, usually after 3 years of age.

Just Shoot Me

The fact remains: the benefits of vaccinating far outweigh the risks—for your child and the community as a whole. Dr. David W. Kimberlin, a professor of pediatrics and co-director of the division of pediatric infectious diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham maintains, “”The vaccines we have today are the safest vaccines we’ve ever had, and I hope that parents recognize that it is a matter of life and death, and that they choose to do everything they can to protect their children.”

Your toddler will get up to 31 vaccinations by age 4—and it can be tough to keep track.  Here’s what to expect for the toddler years:

(6 to 18 months)

Hepatitis B

Polio (IPV)

(12 to 15 months)

Hib

MMR

Pneumococcal (PCV)

Varicella

 (12 to 23 months)

Hepatitis A

(15 to 18 months)

 DTaP

It won’t take away all the pain, but you can minimize the blow with the following strategies:

• Explain to your child what will take place to prepare her mentally.
• Distract her with a toy after the vaccination to prevent her from thinking about what just happened.
• Give her milk or a dose of sucrose sweetened solution a few minutes before the shot, or let her nurse during the procedure.  
• Offer your child options – let her choose which arm.
• Ask your pediatrician for some premedication like acetaminophen or a topical anesthetic beforehand.
• When the shot is done, let your child know, and praise her for her courage.
• Make her look forward to receiving a lollipop, jellyace, or a sticker after the shot.
• Postpone vaccinations if your child has a fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit, the flu, or other serious infection.

What’s new in 2010?

 Every year, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices publishes a new schedule for vaccinations.

New this year:

• The committee now recommends “combination vaccines,” meaning that an immunization containing more than one vaccine is preferable to giving each vaccine separately.
• A yearly dose of H1N1 flu vaccine has been added to the schedule for children 6 months and older.
• The fourth dose of the polio vaccine should be given after age 4 and at least six months after the previous dose.
• A newer HPV vaccine that prevents genital warts is now an option for girls; it’s also an option for boys age 9 to 18, but isn’t on the recommended schedule. 

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