Reactions to the vaccines may occur, but they are rarely serious. They are usually mild and brief, such as low fever, sore arm, or malaise after taking the shot. Health care providers should inform parents about the benefits and risks of a specific vaccine before immunizing their child. The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act required the government to prepare written materials on the benefits and risks of vaccines for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella and polio in order for parents to be able to make informed choices about their child's vaccinations. Effective April 1992, health care providers must provide written information to each adult or to the legal representative of each child before administering these vaccines.
Vaccines work best when they are given at the recommended time and on a regular schedule.
All health officials agree that the benefits of vaccination are greater than the small risk of possible side effects from the vaccine. Several private and public national efforts are being implemented to help achieve universal immunization of all children. The campaign is a partnership of the Children's Action Network and the American Academy of Pediatrics and has produced a colorful brochure for parents. Child Health Day is celebrated annually by a coalition of private and federal agencies concerned with children's health. The theme selected for the 1992 celebration of Child Health Day, Oct. 5, is childhood immunization that is age-appropriate and complete.