As a parent, you want to keep your child safe and healthy. One of the best ways to protect them from serious diseases is through childhood immunizations. Vaccines have saved millions of lives and are one of the most important medical advancements in history - second only to clean water in improving human health and lifespan.
At Banner Health, we understand that you may have questions or concerns about vaccines. Below, we provide clear, evidence-based information to help you make an informed decision for your child’s health.
Every vaccine goes through years of rigorous testing before it is approved for use. Researchers carefully study their safety and effectiveness through multiple clinical trials. Once vaccines are available, experts continue to monitor them for any rare side effects.
At Banner Health, we follow the vaccine recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other leading health organizations. These guidelines are updated regularly to ensure they reflect the latest scientific research.
It’s natural to worry about side effects, but most vaccine reactions are mild and temporary. Your child may have:
Serious side effects are extremely rare, but if your child experiences severe swelling, difficulty breathing, high fever or other symptoms you are concerned about, contact your doctor right away. Your pediatrician is here to help and answer any concerns you may have.
Decades of research have proven that vaccines do not cause autism. The fear started from a now-discredited study, but multiple large studies have shown no link between vaccines and autism. The American Academy of Pediatrics, along with many other experts, confirms that vaccines are safe and do not affect a child’s development.
Some parents worry that the number of vaccines given in early childhood is overwhelming. However, babies and young children come into contact with far more germs in their daily environment than they do through vaccines. Even though there are more vaccines now, they contain fewer antigens—substances that trigger the body's immune response—than they did ten years ago because of advances in vaccine science.
The recommended schedule is designed to provide protection when children are most vulnerable to disease. Experts review and update the schedule regularly to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Want to know when your child should get each vaccine? Check out the latest AAP childhood immunization schedule.
Vaccines are important for kids at every age, not just in infancy. As children grow, they need additional vaccines and booster shots to stay protected from serious diseases.
Want to see the full vaccine schedule by age? Check out the AAP’s recommended vaccine schedule.
Vaccines don’t just protect your child - they protect everyone. When most people are vaccinated, it helps prevent outbreaks and protects those who are too young or unable to be vaccinated, such as newborns or individuals with weakened immune systems.
Diseases like polio, measles and whooping cough were once common but are now rare thanks to vaccines. Continuing to vaccinate ensures these illnesses don’t return. Recent outbreaks have often happened in unvaccinated communities.
We understand that choosing to vaccinate your child is a big decision. At Banner Health, we are here to support you with trusted information and compassionate care. If you have any concerns, talk to your pediatrician - they are happy to answer your questions.
Want to see the full vaccine schedule? Review the AAP’s latest recommendations or schedule a visit with your child’s doctor to discuss their immunizations.
You can also visit our pediatrics immunization and vaccination page for more information.
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