Vaccinating your baby is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. With so much information—and misinformation—circulating online, it’s natural to have questions. Are vaccines safe? What are the benefits and risks? To have your answers, we spoke to Dr Shrey Kumar Srivastav, Senior Consultant, Sharda Hospital - Noida, to explain evidence-based facts to help parents make informed decisions about their child's health.
Dr Srivastav explained that vaccines are designed to protect children from serious diseases by stimulating their immune system to recognise and fight harmful pathogens. They contain weakened or inactivated parts of a virus or bacteria, which trigger an immune response without causing illness. This prepares the body to fight the real infection if exposed in the future.
“Extensive research and rigorous testing ensure that vaccines are both safe and effective. Before approval, vaccines undergo multiple phases of clinical trials involving thousands of participants. Once in use, they are continuously monitored for safety by organisations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO),” emphasised Dr Srivastav.
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Are Vaccines Safe for Babies?
Dr Srivastav pointed out, “Yes, vaccines are safe for babies. The benefits of immunisation far outweigh the potential risks.” Here’s why:
1. Strict Safety Standards
Vaccines undergo thorough testing before they are approved for public use. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other global health agencies set strict safety standards to ensure vaccines are safe for infants and young children.
2. Minimal Side Effects
Most vaccine side effects are mild and temporary, such as slight fever, redness, or swelling at the injection site. Severe allergic reactions are extremely rare—occurring in less than one in a million doses.
3. Protection Against Deadly Diseases
Vaccines prevent life-threatening illnesses such as measles, polio, whooping cough, and meningitis. Without vaccines, babies are vulnerable to diseases that can lead to hospitalisation, disability, or even death.
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4. Herd Immunity Benefits
When a high percentage of a community is vaccinated, it reduces the spread of disease, protecting those who are too young or medically unable to receive vaccines.
Importance of Following the Vaccination Schedule
The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend a specific immunisation schedule to ensure maximum protection for infants. Delaying or skipping vaccines can leave your child vulnerable to preventable diseases. If you have concerns, talk to your paediatrician to understand why the schedule is designed the way it is.
Bottomline
Vaccines are one of the safest and most effective ways to protect your baby’s health. The overwhelming majority of medical experts agree that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks. If you have any questions or concerns, consult your paediatrician to get the most reliable, science-backed information.