Childhood Vaccination: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Modern medicine has witnessed countless advancements, but few have had as transformative and global an impact as vaccines.
To understand the magnitude of this revolution and to dispel myths, we invite you to watch the video featuring Dr. Alexy Arauz Boudreau, MD, MPH, Division Chief of Pediatric Primary Care at MassGeneral Hospital for Children.
Dr. Arauz Boudreau is an authority in child health, and she shared how vaccines have redefined pediatrics and the lives of millions of children worldwide.
“Vaccines have changed what it means to be a pediatrician in the last 90, 50 years; the changes in children’s care due to vaccines have been globally revolutionary,” affirms Dr. Arauz Boudreau.
Indeed, their impact is undeniable: it’s estimated that over 1.05 billion lives have been saved thanks to vaccines. Diseases that once were death sentences or caused paralysis and severe suffering in children are now part of a distant past in many parts of the world. It is a true blessing that science has freed us from these childhood tragedies.
Childhood Vaccination in Massachusetts: A Leader in National Coverage
Massachusetts continues to stand out as one of the states with the highest childhood vaccination rates in the United States, although it has also experienced some declines in recent years.
During the 2023-2024 season, 58.7% of children aged 6 months to 17 years received the flu vaccine.
This figure is higher than the national average of 55.4%. However, this rate decreased to 53.6% in the 2024-2025 season.
This represents a call to reinforce efforts to maintain high immunization rates in the pediatric population.
According to CDC data, overall national coverage also showed a slight drop, highlighting a shared challenge across the country (Axios, 2024; CDC, 2024).
For younger children, specifically those aged 19 to 35 months, Massachusetts reported that 84.6% were up-to-date with their vaccinations.
This is a high figure compared to a national average of 71.1%. This margin underscores the state’s commitment to public health.
However, there was also an increase in kindergarten vaccination exemptions, a trend that requires attention to prevent gaps in childhood immunization (State Regs Today, 2024; CDC, 2024).
Why Are Childhood Vaccines Safe? The Science Behind Safety and Efficacy
It’s fundamental to differentiate childhood vaccines from others, like the COVID-19 vaccine, which are more recent developments.
Traditional pediatric vaccines have been studied for decades. This includes not only laboratory research but also studies in child populations to ensure their safety and efficacy.
Dr. Arauz Boudreau explains the rigorous process: “The first study isn’t to see if it’s effective, but to see that there are no side effects that aren’t worth it, and only then do we look at efficacy.”
This methodical, long-term approach has allowed various regulatory agencies to evaluate and approve these vaccines, guaranteeing their reliability.
The first childhood vaccines begin shortly after birth. It starts with the Hepatitis B vaccine, followed at two, four, and six months with vaccines against rotavirus, polio, tetanus, and whooping cough (DTP).
Also included are those that protect against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and pneumococcus. These latter ones are crucial because they protect against meningitis (a brain infection), pneumonia, and even reduce the number of ear infections.
Around one year of age, the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) and chickenpox vaccines are administered. Subsequently, the Hepatitis A vaccine is given, with boosters at 15-18 months and, finally, around four years of age.
Dispelling Myths: Reaction Is a Sign of Success
One of the most common myths about vaccines is the belief that they “make the child sick”.
This confusion arises because the vaccine introduces a particle of the virus or bacteria (not the complete pathogen) that triggers an immune response in the body.
Dr. Arauz Boudreau clarifies this confusion:
“The reason we believe that is because the vaccine is, let’s say, a particle of the virus or bacteria, not the complete virus nor the complete bacteria, which causes the body to mount an immune response.”
When a real disease enters the body, it reacts by producing fever (heat helps fight pathogens) or symptoms like nasal discharge to expel them.
With the vaccine, the body experiences a similar immune response, but to a harmless version.
Thus, if parents notice a low fever or a bit of a runny nose, it’s not that the child is getting sick, but that their immune system is strengthening. It’s preparing for when it truly encounters that virus or bacteria, drastically reducing the risk of severe illness.
The Collective and Global Impact of Vaccination
The effectiveness of vaccines is so remarkable that it has transformed hospital infrastructure.
Hospitals have needed fewer and fewer beds for children in recent decades because they get sick less often as new vaccines are introduced.
Dr. Arauz Boudreau points out: “Vaccines have been so successful that the number of beds for children in hospitals has had to decrease decade by decade because they get sick less and less every time a new vaccine comes out.” This is a direct testament to the preventive power of vaccination.
Globally, organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) have led initiatives to bring vaccines to all corners of the planet.
They’ve established agreements with health departments in numerous countries to ensure massive vaccination programs.
However, despite these successes, it’s important to maintain high vaccination rates.
The resurgence of diseases like measles in some areas where community immunity has decreased demonstrates that collective protection is only as strong as the sum of its parts.
The Best Defense Is Information and Prevention
All parents are advised to speak with their pediatrician. It is crucial to attend regular appointments to discuss vaccines and ask all questions.
These appointments should be at two, four, and six months, at one year, then every six months, and annually after three years of age.
Open communication with your pediatrician is key to resolving doubts and feeling confident in health decisions for your children.
Finally, the message is clear and direct: Please, vaccinate your children!
It is a call to action to protect new generations from diseases that, thanks to science and prevention, no longer need to be a threat.
Vaccination Resources in Massachusetts
For those seeking information and access to vaccination services for their children in Massachusetts, various organizations and health departments offer support and resources:
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH): Offers vaccination guides, information on immunization clinics, and resources for parents.
- Community Health Centers: Numerous health centers across the state offer pediatric vaccination services, often with low-cost or free options for those who qualify.
- You can find a directory by searching “Community Health Centers Massachusetts” or by checking the DPH website.
- Pediatricians and Primary Care Physicians: Your pediatrician or family doctor is your primary source for vaccination information and services. Schedule regular appointments to keep your children’s vaccination schedule up-to-date and to address all your concerns.
- Consult your healthcare provider’s website or call them directly.
- Hospitals and Health Systems: Large hospitals have extensive pediatric departments that include immunization services and health education:
- MassGeneral Hospital for Children: massgeneral.org/children
- Boston Children’s Hospital: childrenshospital.org
- UMass Memorial Health: ummhealth.org
This interview was made possible by an initiative from My Health Fair to provide valuable content to the community. You can watch the video at:
Visit the My Health Fair virtual fair to find more health resources and professionals.
