A member asked:
What are the benefits and downfalls of delaying my child's vaccinations?
3 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
Dr. Michael Pappasanswered
Pediatrics 25 years experience
No benefits: Delaying your child's vaccinations will delay protecting your child from diseases that are waiting for them. That leaves them at risk. If your child is otherwise healthy, he/she should get them.
No benefits in delaying vaccinations, unless your child has a fever, the flu, or a serious illness.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Douglas Tzanetosanswered
Allergy and Immunology 21 years experience
Weigh risk/benefit: There are no known benefits of delaying vaccines, but the risks of doing so are potentially severe or even fatal (e.g. Meningitis). One study in the journal pediatrics in may 2010 by drs. Michael smith and charles woods looked at children on delayed and traditional vaccine schedules. The delayed group did not perform better on any of 42 tests of cognitive, motor, and behavioral tasks.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. James Fergusonanswered
Pediatrics 48 years experience
Avoid Death/injury: We have been blessed by decreasing numbers of deaths due to illnesses like pertussis, polio, Hib meningitis & the like. Many parents assume since the other kids in the neighborhood get shots, her baby doen't need to. Well? Just assume that traveler from asia/south america/etc. Didn't get of a plane yesterday incubating that illness before brushing into you at the mall is it worth your babies life.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated May 10, 2015
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $19/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.