Can vaccinations cause long lasting side effects?

Childhood Vaccines

It’s no secret that there is a great deal of controversy over whether to vaccinate children and if vaccines can, in fact, cause serious and/or long term health effects. At the heart of the matter are the genuine apprehensions of parents who want to make sound decisions on behalf of their children’s health and future. It is challenging, however, to discern where to draw the line between well-founded data and unsubstantiated fear.

The San Francisco pediatric care experts at GetzWell support childhood vaccination as a means of preventing the spread of potentially fatal diseases. We also acknowledge a parent’s right to involvement in the decision to vaccinate, and we encourage an open dialogue to help address your concerns.

What types of side effects can occur and how common are they?

While it’s true that there are potential side effects with any vaccination, most are mild and temporary in nature. The most common are soreness, swelling or redness of the injection site, fever, rash, and achiness. In fact, it’s infrequent that parents at GetzWell report these symptoms.

Serious side effects such as seizures and life-threatening allergic reactions do occur but they are extremely rare and such instances are closely monitored and investigated by both the FDA and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control). While there are many voices on this subject in the medical community, among celebrity advocates, and throughout the media, the evidence suggesting a connection between other long-term health effects and vaccines in use today remains officially inconclusive.

How can I ensure my child’s safety with vaccinations?

Despite the rarity of serious side effects, it’s completely understandable that parents want to do all they can to protect their children. This is why, at GetzWell Pediatrics, we partner with parents to address their concerns prior to vaccinating. At your request, we can do an in depth vaccine consultation and craft an individualized schedule for your child by closely examining the risk factors, timing, and relative importance of each vaccine. We can also recommend immune system supports to encourage a robust vaccine response while protecting against untoward side effects.

Partner with the San Francisco pediatric care experts at GetzWell Pediatrics to ensure the greatest health and safety of your child. Call us today to learn more about the vaccination options we provide. Church St: 415.826.1701 / Union St: 415.969.6670.