Vaccines: Answers to Common Questions – Dr. Narmin Azizova

Dr. Narmin Azizova
Neonatologist, Department of Neonatal Resuscitation and Intensive Therapy, Scientific Research Institute of Pediatrics named after K.Y. Farajova; Department of Pediatrics I, Azerbaijan Medical University; Founder, Pediatriya.az

Vaccines protect infants from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases such as Measles, Polio, Whooping Cough, and others. By teaching the immune system how to recognize and fight infections, vaccines help strengthen the immune system of the baby.

We are pleased to share scientific answers to frequently asked questions about vaccines, compiled from numerous inquiries received on the Pediatriya.az website.

1. What are vaccines and why are they necessary? Vaccines are biological products that stimulate the immune system to protect against infectious diseases. They work by introducing killed or weakened microbes or parts of microbes into the body, which causes the body to produce antibodies, thus creating immunity. As a result, the body is prepared to fight the infection if encountered in the future.
2. Why should I vaccinate my child? Vaccines are our strongest tool to protect against infectious diseases. When your child is vaccinated, the risk of contracting serious infections decreases significantly. When most of the population is vaccinated, both the occurrence of infections and complications are much lower. Even mild side effects such as pain at the injection site or a mild fever (37.5–38°C) are far less dangerous compared to potentially fatal diseases like Diphtheria, Whooping Cough, Measles, etc.
3. I am breastfeeding my baby. Breast milk protects my baby from infections. So why do I need to vaccinate my baby? Newborns are already protected against some infectious diseases through antibodies passed from the mother via the placenta during pregnancy. Breastfed infants continue to receive antibodies through breast milk, which offers some protection until their own immune system matures. However, these antibodies are not long-lasting and do not provide protection against all diseases. Therefore, vaccinating babies is crucial to protect them from life-threatening infections, especially during early childhood.
4. Won’t vaccinating my child against multiple diseases at once overload their immune system? Scientific studies have shown that vaccinating children against multiple diseases at once does not have any negative effects on their immune system. In fact, children are exposed to far more pathogens from common colds or sore throats than they would be from vaccines. By using combination vaccines (e.g., Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping Cough), we protect the child from several diseases with fewer injections, reducing the frequency of hospital visits and the need for multiple shots. Vaccination prevents severe and life-threatening diseases that can lead to pneumonia, brain inflammation, blindness, bloodstream infections, ear infections, complications, and even death.
5. How safe are vaccines? Vaccines are very safe biological products. They undergo rigorous testing during manufacturing and distribution. You can learn more about the safety and potential side effects of vaccines in our comprehensive scientific article on Pediatriya.az: link
6. Are vaccines beneficial? Over a million people worldwide die every year from diseases that could be prevented by vaccines. Vaccines protect both children and adults from life-threatening infectious diseases. The widespread use of vaccines has eradicated Smallpox and dramatically reduced the incidence of Polio.
7. Can vaccines or the thimerosal in vaccines cause autism? No, studies have shown no link between vaccines or the thimerosal used in some vaccines and autism. A 1998 study that suggested a connection was later found to have significant errors, and the authors were penalized. Subsequent research has demonstrated no connection between thimerosal and autism. Additionally, thimerosal has been removed from most childhood vaccines since 1999 to reduce exposure to heavy metals. The World Health Organization’s 2002 Protocol confirmed that ethyl mercury, the form used in thimerosal, has a short half-life in the body and is not associated with long-term accumulation or chronic diseases.
8. Do vaccinated children have a higher risk of allergies, respiratory, or autoimmune diseases? Vaccines stimulate the immune system to respond to various pathogens but do not disrupt the immune system’s functioning. There is no scientific evidence linking vaccines to allergies, respiratory issues, or autoimmune diseases.
9. Are vaccines completely harmless? Some online sources claim vaccines are harmful. Vaccines are safe, but like any medical treatment, they can have mild side effects. These may include low-grade fever, redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site. These side effects are temporary and typically resolve on their own. Serious side effects are extremely rare. The risk of severe outcomes from infectious diseases far outweighs the risks associated with vaccines.
10. Can the Measles vaccine cause subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE)? SSPE is a rare but serious complication that can occur in individuals who have contracted Measles, especially in those who were either unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated. However, there have been no reported cases of SSPE following a complete Measles vaccination.
11. Since vaccine-preventable diseases are rare in our country, is it necessary to vaccinate? Despite high vaccination rates, diseases such as Diphtheria, Whooping Cough, Tetanus, Tuberculosis, Polio, Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, and Pneumococcus still exist. If vaccination rates decrease, these diseases may re-emerge, posing a significant risk to public health. For example, a family that did not vaccinate their child caused a Measles outbreak in the U.S. after traveling internationally in 2008. Similarly, in 2011, California experienced a large Whooping Cough epidemic, resulting in over 9,000 cases and 10 deaths.
12. If all the other children in my child’s school are vaccinated, does my child still need vaccination? Even if all the children in your child’s school are vaccinated, your child interacts with people outside the school. Unvaccinated individuals can still spread infectious diseases, and you cannot control everyone around your child. Vaccination is the best way to protect your child.
13. What are the side effects of vaccines? Common side effects include:

• Redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site.
• Mild fever, headache, muscle aches, or loss of appetite.
• A rash that may appear 7-10 days after the Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccine.

In rare cases, serious side effects may include prolonged crying, febrile seizures, or a lack of response. If your child has food or medication allergies or has had issues with vaccines before, consult your doctor before vaccination.

14. How long does the immunity from vaccines last? Some vaccines, such as Measles and Hepatitis B, provide lifelong immunity. The Tetanus vaccine provides protection for up to 13-14 years and remains effective for at least 25 years with a 72% effectiveness rate. The Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine provides immunity for more than 9 years.
15. Where can I get my child vaccinated? Vaccines can be administered at public or private hospitals, clinics, and health centers. Always choose a healthcare facility where vaccines are stored in proper cold storage and administered under careful supervision. It’s important to ensure your child gets their annual flu vaccine, as it is updated each year to match the circulating virus strains.

In conclusion, vaccines are a vital defense for protecting infants from infections that could cause long-term disability or death. Vaccinating children not only ensures their survival and well-being but also contributes to eliminating preventable diseases and creating a healthier, safer society.

16. What should I do if I missed the vaccination schedule? You can find detailed information on how to approach missed vaccinations on Pediatriya.az: link