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How Childhood Vaccinations Protect Entire Communities

by Lauren Kelly
by Lauren Kelly

Lauren Kelly

Vaccines have been used for many years to prevent disease and protect people from illnesses that can spread quickly. Thanks to vaccines, many serious diseases like measles and pertussis (whooping cough) that once harmed large numbers of children became rare in the United States. In more recent years, the country has seen outbreaks in vaccine preventable diseases like measles. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 92% of measles cases this year were among people who had not received the vaccine. 

 Vaccinations such as the MMR vaccine for measles, help keep children healthy and protect the people around them. However, findings on vaccine coverage from the CDC indicate a drop in vaccine coverage and an increased number of vaccine exemptions among kindergarteners during the 2024-2025 school year. 

How Vaccines Protect Children 

Children’s immune systems are still developing, which can make them more vulnerable to certain infections. Vaccines help train the immune system to recognize and fight harmful germs. 

Childhood vaccines are carefully timed so children receive protection when they need it most. According to the Mayo Clinic, health experts design vaccine schedules to make sure vaccines are given when a child’s immune system can respond safely and effectively. This preparation helps the body recognize and fight real infections if a child is exposed in the future. 

What is Community Protection or Herd Immunity? 

Vaccines protect not only the person who receives them but also the community. When most people in a community are vaccinated against a disease, it becomes much harder for that disease to spread. This type of protection is called herd immunity, or community protection. 

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is because of high vaccination rates that many serious diseases, such as measles, rubella, tetanus, and polio are now uncommon in many places. Staying up to date on recommended vaccines helps maintain this protection for everyone. 

Protecting People Who Cannot Be Vaccinated 

Not everyone can safely receive certain vaccines. Some children may have weakened immune systems or medical conditions that prevent them from being vaccinated. 

This can include: 

  • Children receiving treatments such as chemotherapy 
  • Children who have had severe reactions to vaccines in the past 
  • Children with certain severe allergies 

When most people in a community are vaccinated, it reduces the spread of disease and helps protect those who cannot receive vaccines themselves. 

What Happens When Vaccination Rates Drop? 

When fewer people are vaccinated, community protection becomes weaker. This can allow diseases that were once under control to return and spread more easily. 

Outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases can lead to serious illness, especially for young children and other vulnerable groups. These outbreaks can also place stress on families and healthcare systems. 

The Role of Parents and Caregivers 

Making healthcare decisions for children can sometimes feel overwhelming. Vaccinating children according to recommended schedules is one way parents and caregivers can help protect their child, their family, and their community. 

Staying informed and talking with a trusted healthcare provider can help families make confident decisions about vaccinations. 

Call to Action

Call your pediatrician and ask about childhood vaccinations. Use our downloadable checklist to track your child’s vaccines based on the American Academy of Pediatrics vaccine schedule.

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