As summer rolls on and a new school year approaches, childhood vaccines are a top concern for many parents in Jackson, Wyo. Dr. Katie Noyes, a family medicine physician at St. John’s Health, recently shared her take on the importance of childhood vaccines.
Why Vaccines Matter
According to Dr. Noyes, vaccines help protect babies and children by teaching their immune systems how to fight and protect themselves from germs and disease. Without them, children are at risk of serious illness, or even death.
Childhood vaccines are also essential for the health of the broader community, says Dr. Noyes. “Not only can the choice to vaccinate your child prevent death and serious illness in your own children, it protects the entire community,” she explains.
Addressing Concerns
Dr. Noyes acknowledges that some parents may have concerns about the potential side effects or risks of vaccines. However, she emphasizes that all vaccines undergo extensive testing and are found to be safe before they ever reach a doctor’s office.
“Everything in life has risks and benefits,” says Dr. Noyes. “The benefits of vaccines, specifically the prevention of death, serious illness, and hospitalization, far outweigh the risks.” She notes that minor, short-term reactions like redness, soreness, or a low-grade fever can occur, but these are considered normal vaccine reactions and usually resolve within 24 hours.
Trusted Resources
For parents who want to learn more about childhood vaccines, Dr. Noyes recommends trusted resources like the websites of the Academy of Pediatrics and the Academy of Family Medicine, as well as peer-reviewed academic medical center websites like mayoclinic.org or clevelandclinic.org.
Original reporting: Buckrail (Jackson WY) — read the source article.
