Should you vaccinate your baby?

Most new or soon-to-be parents have struggled, or are struggling with a common question. Are vaccinations safe for my baby? The answer is yes.

“There is a lot of misinformation floating around out there about the safety of vaccinations,” says Dr. Peter Azzopardi, Chief of Paediatric Medicine at TSH. “Vaccines have been said to cause a number of health problems including autism and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The reality is, these claims are just not true.”

Expert groups in Canada, and around the world, have researched and investigated these claims and have found no evidence of a link between vaccines and any of these health concerns.

“Vaccines are safe,” says Dr. Azzopardi. “Although some children may experience mild reactions from vaccinations, such as a sore arm or mild fever, the benefits of having your child vaccinated far outweigh the risks that come with the diseases the vaccinations prevent.”

In Ontario, when you vaccinate your child you protect them against a number of life-threatening diseases including:

• Whooping cough
• Polio
• Meningitis
• Measles
• Mumps
• German measles (rubella)
• Hepatitis
• Chickenpox
• Influenza

Many of these diseases are rare in Canada, and that’s because of our good vaccination rates. But they quickly reappear in Canadian populations who choose not to vaccinate – for example the measles outbreak in Quebec last year. As well, there is a risk if you travel to countries where the diseases are still common.

The flu vaccine is important for every member of the family. Many people don’t realize the flu can be much more debilitating than the common cold and has the potential for severe illness and even death. The flu shot will protect you. You may also choose to use the new nasal spray that’s available this year and is covered by most drug plans.

Talk to your doctor about when your child should be vaccinated.

Visit the Ontario Ministry of Health website to view a vaccination schedule and get more information about vaccinating your child.

Why get a flu shot?

Dr. Larry Erlick, Chief of Family Practice and Community Medicine at The Scarborough Hospital explains:

There is a difference between the common cold and the flu. With temperatures dropping and winter approaching there are over 20 viruses than can cause cold and flu-like symptoms. Most of these viruses cause mild flu-like symptoms with runny nose, mild aches and pains, usually low grade fever, some nausea, occasional vomiting and diarrhea and usually a quick recovery.

The flu shot protects you against human influenza A and B viruses that can cause serious respiratory infections and even death. Influenza – or the flu – typically starts with a headache, chills and cough, followed rapidly by fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches and fatigue, running nose, sneezing, watery eyes and throat irritation. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may also occur, especially in children.

Most people will recover from influenza within a week or ten days, but some – including those over 65 and adults and children with chronic conditions, such as diabetes and cancer – are at greater risk of more severe complications, such as pneumonia and even death. Between 2,000 and 8,000 Canadians can die of influenza and its complications annually, depending on the severity of the season.

The best way to prevent catching this potentially serious infection is to have a flu shot each year. To reduce the spread of germs and help prevent illness, it is also important to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer. It is a good idea to carry hand sanitizer with you.