|
|
Are multi-dose vaccines safe? |
As the number of vaccines has increased, parents have become concerned that infants are receiving too many vaccinations. There is the idea that multi vaccination might overwhelm, weaken or ‘use up’ their baby’s immune system.
In daily living we are exposed to countless numbers of microbes. With every breath, touch and taste, our immune system is being challenged. These microscopic terrorists are called antigens. An antigen is any substance that when introduced into the body is recognised as foreign and activates the immune system. Antigens include toxins, foreign proteins or bacteria.
Although there are more vaccines, there are fewer antigens as vaccines become more refined. Several years ago, DTPw (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) vaccine was given. A better vaccine is now used (DTPa), which exposes the immune system to fewer antigens. Children rarely show a local reaction to the new vaccine.
The vaccines given contain a small amount of ‘domesticated’ disease so the child’s immune system is not compromised. The ‘wild’ disease on the other hand will suppress the sufferer’s immune system.
If all the vaccinations were given separately at different times, a child would be given 31 injections by the time they turned four years old and have to return to the doctor 35 times. Currently, vaccination includes 14 injections with six visits to the immunisation provider. A child risks a local reaction with each injection so it is safer to combine the vaccines.
|
|
|
|
