LTE: The value of vaccines

LTE: The value of vaccines To the editor: Vaccines are a wonderful health tool, giving us the ability to protect and care for our families- young and old. Illnesses that were once considered serious or fatal are no longer an added fear or worry for parents. As students, we learn about viruses like polio by way of faded black and white photographs of children with elaborate leg braces or confined to an iron lung. Many of us can't recall the "polio hysteria" experienced across the United States in the 1950s. As adults, we learn the pure joy- and often terror- that comes with the addition of a new baby to our lives. Suddenly, there is a brand new person- full of potential- in your arms. You realize that you will do anything to protect them. Calling that a daunting task is an understatement. Where do I start? What if I make mistakes? One of the simplest and safest places to start is with vaccination. Vaccines help the body's immune system learn how to fight germs. Since babies are born without a fully developed immune system, they are at higher risk for infection and serious illness. Vaccines are safe and effective tools we can provide to our children to allow them to build their defenses. Don't worry- you aren't alone on your journey to keeping your children safe. Your child's pediatrician is perfectly positioned to help you understand and navigate vaccinations. At appointments, ask questions and voice any concerns. Your pediatrician can help you understand vaccines and address any concerns surrounding them. As much as we want to protect our children from all of the bad parts of life, we can't always be there. Luckily, we can provide a level of safety and protection by vaccinating against preventable diseases. —Katie Boyle, Warren County Health Services Educator, Lake George

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LTE: The value of vaccines

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