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On the Record

The Risks and Benefits of Infant Immunizations

By Nicole Magistro

Keeping current helped Kelly Matthews of Winnetka, Ill., choose between two types of vaccinations for polio. After reading studies and talking with her pediatrician, she opted for the traditional injected vaccine (rather than its oral counterpart). Later, Matthews heard about children who reacted adversely to the live polio virus in the oral vaccine. Eventually it was taken off the market. "I'm just glad I did my research," says Matthews. "Some kids were really sick."

In most cases, parents still have the flexibility to refuse immunizing their children. But outside of elective vaccines, parents might eventually be forced to vaccinate their children in order to enroll in them daycare or kindergarten. They also might need to find another pediatrician. "I won't continue to see a child if the parent refuses to vaccinate," says Dr. Cashore. "That's like asking me to perform below my standard of care."

Exemptions in school enrollment are often made for religious objectors. And a nationwide group of parents is demanding the same status for "conscientious objectors" – those parents who are morally or otherwise opposed to blanket immunization.

Still, most parents will continue to vaccinate their children according to the immunization schedule. "But that doesn't mean I won't question what the vaccination contains and the risks involved," says Arora. "I'll still research and talk with friends before I do it."

Want to see more?

• The Pros and Cons of Infant Vaccines: What's Best for Your Baby?
• Disagreeing With Your Pediatrician: What to Do When Opinions Collide
• Smallpox Vaccinations: What Parents Need to Know
• Schedule of Childhood Vaccinations
• Talk about it!

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