A published review of 20,000 scientific studies on childhood vaccines concludes they are safe — period — and should be obtained to prevent deadly diseases.
CNN reports the study, set to appear in the Pediatrics journal, found side effects from vaccines are “incredibly rare,” and there are no ties between vaccines and autism or childhood leukemia, which has been suggested.
It did find the meningococcal vaccine can lead to anaphylaxis, a whole-body allergic reaction, in children allergic to the vaccine’s ingredients.
“Vaccines, like any other medication, aren’t 100 percent risk-free,” said Dr. Ari Brown, an Austin, Texas-based pediatrician who was not involved with the study, CNN reported. “You have a sore arm, redness at the injection site. Those are the things we see commonly. Fortunately, the serious adverse effects is extremely rare.”
The positives aspects of vaccines far outweigh any risks, she added.
“By delaying the vaccines, you’re putting your child at risk,” Dr. Brown told CNN.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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