Search Site close Close
vaccine
Blog

Why we champion vaccines for our youngest generation

Published Date:

At SIU Medicine, we believe preventive care is essential—especially for children who rely on us to protect their health from day one. Vaccines are one of the most effective tools we have to keep kids healthy and communities strong.

Why vaccines matter

  • Vaccines are among the most important life-saving tools we offer as health care providers.
  • The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks.
  • When children aren’t vaccinated, they can spread infections to those around them–especially those who are too young or medically unable to be vaccinated.

Addressing common concerns

We know some parents still have questions. Let’s walk through the facts and myths.

“Vaccines cause autism or other developmental disabilities.”
This claim has been thoroughly studied and proven false. There is no credible medical or scientific evidence linking vaccines to autism or developmental delays. “As medical professionals, we would not advocate for vaccines if they posed those risks,” says SIU Medicine pediatrician Tracy Milbrandt, MD.

“But a study in 1998 said the MMR vaccine causes autism.”
That study by Andrew Wakefield was later discredited for serious ethical violations and falsified information. It was retracted and is no longer considered part of valid scientific research. “False information like that study does more harm than good,” says Dr. Milbrandt. “We continue to emphasize the critical importance of vaccines to our patients.”

Unfortunately, misinformation can lead to real consequences. After the study was published, outbreaks of measles and other preventable illnesses increased—including 2,000 cases of whooping cough in California in 2010, resulting in 10 infant deaths.

“Vaccines weaken the immune system.”
This is also false. Vaccines help train the immune system to recognize and fight off harmful viruses and bacteria. In fact, they strengthen the body’s ability to respond to serious diseases.

Trust your provider

Vaccines work. They are the reason diseases like polio, tetanus and whooping cough are rarely seen today. Vaccines are a gift—something past generations didn’t have. Your provider wants to work with you to help you make informed choices. We’ve committed our careers to your health and the well-being of your family.

Stay on schedule

Follow your pediatrician’s recommended vaccination schedule. The timing of each vaccine matters—it’s based on your child’s immune development and risk of exposure to disease.

Learn more

Still have questions or want to see the full immunization schedule?
•    Call your doctor at 217.545.8000
•    Visit SIU Pediatrics
•    Looking for a pediatrician? We can help you find the right care for your family.

More from SIU Blog

winter skin

Cold weather healthy habits

Cold weather can take a toll on your body, from dry, cracked skin to irritated airways and a greater risk of seasonal illnesses. Lower humidity and more time spent indoors make it especially important to take care of your skin, respiratory health and overall wellness. Simple habits like moisturizing, protecting your skin from the cold, staying hydrated and keeping current with vaccines can make all the difference.
blog-handwashing

6 great things to know about hand washing

Keeping your hands clean is one of the easiest and most effective ways to stay healthy, but it’s also a habit that many of us don’t think about often enough. Hand hygiene has come a long way since the
mom and baby

PANDAS: Understanding a rare but serious childhood condition

Pandas, the black-and-white bears, are often seen as cuddly, harmless creatures. But in reality, they’re strong, territorial and capable of doing serious damage when provoked. The same goes for PANDAS—not the animal, but a rare condition in children that can be just as surprising and serious.