ImmunizeVT Learn

Learn

The American Academy of Pediatrics Vermont Chapter and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) believe that immunizations are the safest and most cost-effective way of preventing disease, disability, and death. To see just how effective vaccines have been in reducing diseases, see the chart at the bottom of the page. 

We urge parents to make sure that their children are immunized against dangerous childhood diseases since it is always better to prevent a disease than to have to treat it or live with the consequences of having it.  If you have questions about immunizations, we encourage you to talk to your pediatrician. Additionally, we’ve posted below a number of resources from the AAP’s parent information website, HealthChildren.org.

Vaccine Safety: The Facts

Why Immunize Your Child?

How do Vaccines Work?

Do Immunizations Really Work?

How Safe Are Vaccines?

Common Myths About Immunizations

Recommended Immunization Schedules

Teens and Immunizations

Vaccine Ingredients: Frequently Asked Questions

Weighing the Risks and Benefits

Additional Resources

 

Impact of Vaccines in the 20th and 21st Centuries (United States)

Comparison of 20th Century Annual Morbidity and Current Mobidity

Source: Centers for Disease Control, January 2011, http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/downloads/appendices/G/impact-of-vaccines.pdf

Disease

     20th Century Annual Morbidity

       2010 Reported Cases

      % Decrease

Smallpox 29,005 0 100%
Diphtheria 21,053 0 100%
Pertussis 200,752 21,219 89%
Tetanus
580 8 99%
Polio (paralytic) 16,316 0 100%
Measles
530,217 61 >99%
Mumps 162,344 2,528 98%
Rubella 47,745 6 >99%
CRS 152 0 100%
Haemophilus influenzae
(<5 years of age)
20,000 (est.)
270
(16 serotype b and 254
unknown serotype)
99%

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Featured Videos

Renowned Vermont environmentalist, author and activist Bill McKibben has added his voice to Vermont's ongoing immunizations debate.  Hear Bill express his support for immunizations and his call for other Vermonters to join him in the "community effort to vaccinate Vermont's children" ...

Mahala’s 15-year old son Ethan has juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder.  As a result, he can’t receive a most immunizations, leaving him extremely susceptible to ...

In the 40 years since Dr. Louis DiNicola has been involved in pediatric medicine, he has seen many diseases essentially eliminated by vaccinations.  He believes that they are well researched, safe and effective.  He also believes ...

More Videos »