Question

After a recent measles outbreak in a local daycare center, a mom brings her 13-month old toddler to the pediatric clinic. While you are performing a routine health assessment and begin explaining the age-appropriate immunizations ordered by the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (MMR, Varicella and the first Hepatitis A vaccine), the mom expresses great concern about the vaccines. She states her fear of autism related to the MMR and also that “it is not good for the immune system to receive that many vaccines at the same time”. Based on evidence-based research focusing on this mom’s concerns, including myths and facts, discuss the benefits of childhood immunizations. Develop a teaching plan for how you would present the information to this mom.

Answer 1

I will discuss the following benefits of vaccinization;

When we get our child immunized, we help in protecting others as well. If our child has been immunized to a disease, the child cannot get sick and infect others as well. The child’s vaccines will help protect:

the family, friends, and neighbors;

other young babies;

seniors; and

people suffering from diseases such as cancer or other medical conditions.

Vaccines help in protecting our child now and in the future

Our child is exposed to germs every day, which spread easily in crowded places. the below is the list for some of the places your child may visit and our child is protected in each such place:

Daycare or preschool

School, college or university

The waiting room at a doctor’s office

The community center, concert or event

Summer camp

A bus or an airplane

Vaccines are very safe; it is safer to get the vaccine than suffer from the disease. Serious side effects from vaccines are very rare, soreness in the arm or leg where the vaccine is given, and a low fever that may last for a few days is amongst the most common side effects are.