Vaccinations have been making headlines since measles outbreaks across the country have started to grow. National outbreaks began in Washington state and have gained greater traction across the U.S.
However, anti-vaccination messaging and the spread of misinformation on vaccinations has caused leading healthcare experts to quell dangerous anti-vaxxing messages.
Per NBC News, Arthur Caplan head of the division of medical ethics at the NYU School of Medicine explains that false medical information about infectious diseases and vaccinations can lead to serious medical emergencies including death. Patients need to be aware of the truth about vaccinations from accredited medical professionals.
Vaccinations are some of the most effective ways to prevent common infectious diseases and may even help save lives. Here is what you should know about vaccinations based on clinical information shared by leading healthcare organizations:
Vaccinations are not linked to autism in any way
One of the most common myths about vaccinations is that they are linked to the development of autism and similar developmental disorders in children. All medical and scientific evidence will assuredly tell you that this myth is 100 percent false.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that autism cannot be caused by vaccinations nor the ingredients used to create a vaccine. Numerous medical societies, organizations, and coalitions have disproven the link between vaccinations and autism.
Additionally, autism itself is only caused by a unique mix of hereditary, genetic, and environmental factors.
Autism Speaks, one of the nation’s leading autism advocacy and awareness organizations, breaks down the factors of autism including genetic traits passed down from parents, advanced parent age when pregnant, pregnancies less than one year apart, and pregnancy complications. In addition, Autism Speaks reinforces the fact that vaccines cannot cause autism.
Vaccinations are key to prevent both mild and serious infectious diseases for both children and adults
The recent measles outbreak across the U.S has been linked to parents not getting their children updated measles vaccinations (MMR). The MMR vaccination also protects against mumps and rubella, which can lead to other health complications in younger children.
Primary care providers and medical experts strongly recommend that children should receive well-child visits to review vaccination history. An outdated vaccination may likely be ineffective against a new strain infectious diseases.
Ask your primary care provider about your child’s vaccination history and plan new vaccinations accordingly. Urgent care centers can also provide updated vaccinations for your child if you want a vaccination as soon as possible.
Vaccinations also help adults and children alike prepare for international travel if the destination requires a specific vaccination. The flu shot, which is an annual influenza vaccination, helps individuals over the age of six months prevent the flu.
If you are unsure about vaccinations, or want more information, make sure to contact your primary care provider. Don’t allow misinformation to potentially cause a dangerous medical choice.