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Infectious Diseases
A New Look at VaccinesIf you’d lived in the Lehigh Valley 100 years ago, someone you knew would have died of smallpox, diphtheria or another infectious disease.
How Safe Are Childhood Immunizations?Most American children get 10 immunizations for 11 different diseases before age 2. “That may seem like a lot,” says Raj Totlani, M.D., pediatrician with Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network, “but almost all the old combination vaccines now are given as single shots.” The disease-causing factors in most vaccines are removed, he says, so your child can’t get even a mild case of the illness from the vaccine. The only live vaccines—for chicken pox and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)—are greatly weakened. Some parents worry that immunizations raise their child’s risk for developing asthma or diabetes. Scientific studies have found no link. The same is true for claims that the preservatives in vaccines (mercury or thimerosol) can cause autism. “Autism often is diagnosed during the same time period when children are being immunized,” Totlani says, “but many studies have shown that immunization is not the cause.” Because of public pressure, vaccine manufacturers are eliminating those two preservatives. Totlani urges parents to have their children immunized. “Being from India, I know about the large number of infants and children who die when vaccination is not routine,” he says. “Your children have a far greater risk for harm from not being immunized than from any potential side effects.” Want to Know More? For a complete chart of childhood immunizations or for questions and answers on vaccine safety, call 610-402-CARE. Visit our web site at www.lvh.org for more information on childhood immunizations.“The development of vaccines has virtually eliminated many infectious threats from our lives,” says Tim Friel, M.D., infectious disease specialist at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. Over the years, childhood immunization has become a routine part of visiting the pediatrician. But immunizations aren’t just for children. Adults need a tetanus booster every 10 years, and if you’re over 65, a yearly flu shot is a good idea. (A dead virus is used, not a live one, so you can’t get even a mild case of the flu from the vaccine.) Finally, if you’re planning travel it’s essential to get the recommended immunizations for your destination. Beyond that, most of us haven’t thought much about vaccines—until this past year. After Sept. 11, the threat of bioterrorism made the topic big news. While the U.S. government has stockpiled enough smallpox vaccine to protect everyone, we also have been assured that we needn’t run straight to the doctor. “Vaccinating everyone because of a potential threat is a debatable solution,” Friel says. “We know from experience that the vaccine still can prevent infection after exposure if given in a timely fashion.” Now, scientists are working hard to develop an effective vaccine against anthrax. The other factor that’s made vaccines big news is medical research, especially against HIV/AIDS, Friel says. “It is unlikely that a traditional vaccine will work against HIV because of the many strains and because the virus itself changes constantly. But research has helped us better understand how different types of vaccines can boost the immune system. This should help us devise better strategies for the prevention and treatment of HIV.” It also has led scientists to examine the possibility of vaccines for diseases not caused by bacteria or viruses. “One day,” Friel says, “we hope to have vaccines that help the body kill cancer cells or eliminate the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by keeping protein plaque from forming in the brain.” How Do Vaccines Work?
Want to Know More about the vaccines your family needs? Call 610-402-CARE. This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM
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