Following your baby’s recommended vaccine schedule protects them from a range of potentially fatal diseases. However, we realise how worrying vaccines (also known as vaccinations or shots) can be for parents, so we want to examine some of the most common concerns.

These diseases are rare. Why does my baby need to be vaccinated against them?

It is true that lots of your baby’s shots protect against diseases that are rare in the developed world. However, they still exist in plenty of other places, and if you travel with your child or they are otherwise exposed to an infected person, they could get very sick. Measles, for example, can cause pneumonia and even brain damage. Whooping cough is potentially fatal. The reason these and other diseases are rare where you live is that concerned parents participated safely in large-scale vaccine programmes. It’s wise to follow their lead. When the overall number of babies vaccinated against any of them drops, the incidence of the disease in the community rises, with sometimes tragic results.

But I heard that vaccines can cause autism.

Let us reiterate what has been confirmed by numerous studies here: vaccines will not make your child autistic. That’s the overwhelming scientific consensus. It is every parent's responsibility to make healthcare decisions for their child based on sound information from reliable sources.

I don’t want to overwhelm my baby’s immune system.

Your child is exposed to thousands of germs daily, and even their still-developing immune system can handle them. Plus, vaccines are specifically formulated to stimulate their systems in a safe and protective way. They’ve also been tested extensively and used for many years. The specific intervals at which they are given allow your baby’s immune system to respond appropriately.

Can’t some of them contain harmful chemicals?

Vaccines’ formulas contain carefully selected and safety-monitored ingredients. There are a variety of them. Some common ingredients include preservatives, adjuvants, and stabilisers. The amounts are regulated to ensure that they’re safe for patients, including babies. Preservatives prevent contamination. Thimerosal, a common example, is used to prevent contamination of multi-dose vaccine vials and has been proven safe by many studies. Adjuvants help to stimulate the immune system. As discussed in Episode One of Unii’s Baby Health Journey, vaccines need to do this to produce the antibodies that recognise and prevent diseases. Adjuvants have also been proven safe by many studies. Stabilisers are common to many formulas and a proven way to keep vaccines working effectively.

I think natural immunity is superior to vaccine-protected immunity.

Our natural immune system is extraordinary, but not always reliable. Moreover, its strength varies widely across the population, and a baby’s system, in particular, is still developing. Vaccinations provide your child with the best possible protection against a range of potentially fatal illnesses.

I’m worried about the side effects.

The side effects of baby vaccines are rarely severe. Common examples include fussiness, soreness at the site of the injection, and fever. These usually subside without treatment. The benefits of vaccinations far outweigh the risks.

Breastfeeding protects my baby from disease.

While breastfeeding can provide some protection against certain diseases, it is not a substitute for vaccines. Breast milk contains antibodies that can help protect your baby, but it does not provide complete protection against all the diseases that vaccines can prevent.

Additionally, not all babies are able to breastfeed, and even those who are breastfed can still be at risk for certain diseases. Vaccines offer a safe and effective way to protect your baby from a wide range of illnesses.

What about the cost?

Baby vaccines can be expensive but are often covered by insurance or, as in the UK, are free. Further, many governments offer free or low-cost options to those who cannot afford them.

My baby is perfectly healthy.

Vaccines are preventatives, not cures! Even healthy babies can be at risk for certain diseases. Vaccines are recommended for all babies to provide the best possible protection against a range of illnesses.

Plus, some diseases can have serious complications even in healthy babies. By vaccinating your baby, you are helping to protect them from potentially life-threatening illnesses.

I don’t want to hurt my baby.

Vaccinations can be uncomfortable, but they are usually brief and transient. In fact, the person qualified to administer the shots will also be trained to minimise the pain it causes babies, as well as provide comfort afterwards. Remember, the discomfort involved is mild compared to the pain of the illnesses that these vaccines are preventing.

Hopefully you’re feeling more confident and positive about having your baby vaccinated after reading this and completing Unii’s Baby Health Journey Episode 2. If not, please contact your doctor for more reassurance.

What happens if my baby needs to go to hospital?

On Unii’s Baby Health Journey, we seek to reassure you about common vaccine concerns.