immunizations have reduced infectious diseases preventable by vaccines in the United States by 95 to 99 percent, many parents continue to decline immunizations for their children.

"Some parents fall prey to myths that vaccinations don't work, aren't necessary, aren't safe, or their child has a minor illness and shouldn't receive a shot," explains Dr. Amstutz. "However, by denying a child proper vaccination or even putting it off, parents unnecessarily place their children, as well as those around them, at risk of contracting infectious disease."

According to the AAP's 2001 Childhood Immunization Schedule, children must complete a specific series of immunizations by their second birthday to be protected against several dangerous childhood diseases, including:

• Hepatitis B
  
• Polio
  
• Measles
  
• Mumps
  
• Rubella (German measles)
  
• Pertussis (whooping cough)
  
• Diphtheria
• Tetanus (lockjaw)
  
• Haemophilus influenzae type B
  
• Chickenpox

A recent survey published in November 2000 and led by Bruce G. Gellin, M.D., M.P.H., executive director of the National Network for Immunization Information, surveyed 1,600 parents of young children around the United States. Approximately 87 percent of those interviewed believed receiving proper vaccinations was extremely important to the health of their children. However, around one-fourth of the parents still had misconceptions about the value of immunizations.

"Such misconceptions are hazardous to our society," claims Dr. Amstutz. "The risks of not getting immunized are serious. Not only can a child who is not vaccinated contract a dangerous or deadly disease, but he or she could spread it to others in the community who cannot become protected from certain diseases because of health conditions."

Often, parents unnecessarily postpone or cancel scheduled immunizations, says Dr. Amstutz. "It is common for parents to think their children cannot receive vaccinations when they are sick with the cold or flu," he explains.

However Dr. Amstutz and other experts agree that a child may be immunized safely if he or she:

• Experienced soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site or had a fever of less than 105° F after a previous DTaP shot
  
• Currently has a cold, cough, ear infection or mild diarrhea without a fever
  
• Has been recently exposed to an infectious disease
  
• Is taking antibiotics
  
• Is breast-feeding
  
• Has allergies other than egg allergies

Dr. Amstutz advises parents talk with their child's physician before giving vaccinations if their child:

• Has seizures or serious neurologic disease. Such a child should not receive the pertussis vaccine (DTaP). However, the tetanus and diphtheria (Td) vaccines are available without the pertussis vaccine.
  
• Has a poor immune system. Children with poor immunity, or children who live with adults with weak immune systems, should not receive the live oral polio vaccine (OPV). It is possible these children could contract polio or pass it on to others. Instead, the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) should be given in all four doses. Other live vaccines, such as those for chickenpox and MMR, should also not be given to these children.
  
• Is allergic to eggs. Because vaccinations for measles and mumps are grown in chick cell cultures, a child with egg allergies should not receive these immunizations. All other routine immunizations are safe. If a parent suspects their child may be allergic to eggs, the child should be tested by an allergist to determine if these vaccines would be safe to administer.

To receive the most recent childhood immunization schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, contact your child's physician or log on to www.medem.com.

Kent Amstutz, D.O., is a graduate of University of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery in Des Moines, Iowa. Board Certified in Pediatrics and Fellowship-trained in Developmental Pediatrics, Dr. Amstutz sees patients at Boys Town Pediatrics in Papillion. For an appointment call 827-4905.