Immunology 101 Series: Why Mild Vaccine Side Effects Are a Good Thing

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By Aimee Pugh-Bernard, PhD

Tenderness and swelling? Good! These mild side effects tell us that the immune system is working.

In the seventh installment of the Immunology 101 Series, Aimee will explain the science behind the side effects of immunization.

Have you ever noticed that soon after you or your child receive an immunization the injection site may appear to be red and slightly swollen? These mild side effects are extremely common and occur not only after injections, but also after cuts or scratches on our skin. Although the injection site may be tender for a day or two, it is important to understand that these side effects are signs that the immune system is working. Redness and swelling tell us that our immune cells are responding to the pathogenic components in the vaccine and have begun training to provide long-lasting protection.

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¿Va Bien? New Vaccine Information Website for Spanish-Speaking Parents

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vacunalosporsubien.comAmidst the exciting arrival of a new prince, we are pleased to announce our latest addition – Vacúnalos Por Su Bien. As Colorado’s first comprehensive vaccine information website for Spanish-speaking parents, VacunalosPorSuBien.com will play an important role in ensuring that all Colorado parents have access to vaccine information based in science and fact.
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Immunology 101 Series: Do Too Many Vaccines Too Soon Overwhelm the Immune System?

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By Aimee Pugh-Bernard, PhD

In the sixth installment of the Immunology 101 Series, Aimee will explain why the immunization schedule begins at precisely the right time (i.e. starting just after birth) and does not overwhelm the immune system.

Have you ever taken your child to the pediatrician’s office and questioned the number of immunizations recommended per visit?  Maybe you’re concerned that your infant’s immune system is not yet ready to train against a variety of pathogens or that too many vaccines will overwhelm your child’s immune system. Whatever your concerns might be, read on to find out the scientific facts and answers from Aimee. [Read more…]

Questions and Answers About Pertussis (Whooping Cough) with Sean O’Leary, MD

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In light of the recent pertussis (whooping cough) epidemic occurring in Colorado, we asked Dr. Sean O’Leary, a pediatrician and pediatric infectious diseases specialist at Children’s Hospital Colorado, to answer your most commonly asked questions about pertussis. Read on to learn how you can keep your family healthy and protected. [Read more…]

Immunology 101 Series: What’s the Deal with Combination Vaccines and Booster Shots?

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By Aimee Pugh-Bernard, PhD

In the fifth installment of the Immunology 101 Series, Aimee will explain why some vaccines are given together as combination vaccines and why some vaccines need one or more booster shots to provide complete protection. As you may recall from earlier blog posts, vaccines are created after years of research and undergo several phases of testing to be deemed safe and effective. All of this holds true for combination vaccines as well as those that require boosters – they are recommended in various forms to be safe and to provide the best protection possible.

While visiting your pediatrician or reviewing the American Academy of Pediatrics Immunization Schedule, you may have wondered why some vaccines are combined and why some vaccines need one or more booster shots at a later date. The answers to these questions can be found below – read on to find out more! [Read more…]

Coming Soon! ‘Immunize for Good’ Website for Spanish-Speaking Parents

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CCIC - Vacunalosporsubien.com

There’s a lot of chatter going on these days about vaccines. Moms-to-be, new moms and seasoned moms are faced with loads of questions and concerns. What’s in the shots? Why are there so many? Should we space them out? Are they safe? What are the risks? And the challenge is, each of these questions is often met with conflicting answers. [Read more…]

Immunology 101 Series: Herd Immunity

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By Aimee Pugh-Bernard, PhD

In the fourth installment of the Immunology 101 Series, Aimee will define and explain the importance of herd immunity.

While watching the news or reading the newspaper the last few weeks, you may have heard that there have been a record high number of cases of whooping cough (pertussis) in Boulder, CO, and measles in England. As parents, this news is worrisome. Our immediate thoughts turn to questions like, ‘Will my child be exposed to either of these illnesses?’ If so, ‘What are the chances that s/he will become infected?’ The answer to these questions lies not only in the choices we make as parents but also in the choices those around us make for their children and families. The term we use to describe the immunization choices made within the community is ‘herd immunity.’ [Read more…]

Vaccines are like…onions?

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By Stephanie Wasserman

This week is National Infant Immunization Week, and it is also the week the Colorado Children’s Immunization Coalition (CCIC) celebrates its members, supporters, partners and friends at our annual SOUP! (Shots Offer Unrivaled Protection) event. All of this excitement around immunization advocacy led me to reflect on my experience thus far as executive director of the Colorado Children’s Immunization Coalition. What I have learned in the past six months is that immunizations are a lot like onions. Let me explain. [Read more…]

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