Every parent wants to do what’s best for their child, but sometimes those decisions are difficult. It’s important to look to trusted sources of information.

One key topic is immunizations, which we consider to be a key component in preventive health. Your local primary care provider is a great source to answer questions about safety, side effects and benefits of vaccines at any age. Avera bases its recommendations for vaccines on research and recommendations from many reliable experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics.

At the end of the day, whether or not to get vaccinations is your decision as an individual patient or parents. To help you sort it out, here are some “myths versus facts” from Avera experts.

Myth: Vaccines can cause autism. Fact: There is no scientific evidence linking vaccines to autism. This myth originated from a discredited study that was withdrawn due to flaws and fraud. The American Academy of Pediatrics and other reliable experts emphasize that undermining research on this topic is harmful to children’s health.

Myth: Natural immunity is better than vaccine. Fact: Immunity through natural infection has serious risks, such as hospitalization and death. Vaccines provide safe protection without those risks.

Myth: Too many vaccines overwhelm the immune system. Fact: Children are exposed to many germs daily. Antigens are anything the immune system recognizes as foreign or potentially harmful, causing it to react–often by producing antibodies. The amount of antigens in vaccines is far less than natural exposure or natural infection. There is no evidence showing the level of antigens in vaccines overwhelm the immune system.

Myth: Vaccines are not needed because diseases are rare. Fact: Diseases like measles and polio are rare because widespread vaccination works. Without vaccines, these diseases would return rapidly.

Myth: Vaccines include dangerous toxins. Fact: Ingredients (like preservatives and adjuvants) in vaccines are present in small, safe amounts. Even naturally occurring levels can be higher. The amounts in vaccines are tested for safety.

Myth: Healthy children don’t need vaccines. Fact: Even healthy children can get seriously sick from vaccine-preventable diseases. They can also spread these diseases to others who may be more at risk. Vaccination protects both individuals and communities.

Myth: Vaccines can give you the disease it protects against. Fact: Vaccines contain enough of the germ to stimulate the immune system to fight future infection. Inactivated vaccines cannot cause disease. Live-attenuated (weakened) vaccines rarely cause mild symptoms and do not cause the full disease.

Myth: Delaying vaccines is safer. Fact: Delaying vaccines leaves children vulnerable when they are most at risk. Recommended vaccine schedules are based on evidence on when optimal protection is needed. Delaying vaccines will increase transmission of a vaccine-preventable infection across the general population.

Our goal is to provide accurate and reliable information and recommendations based on the latest medical science, and allow our patients to make their own decisions about preventive care. If you are concerned or have questions about immunizations, please feel free to reach out to your primary care provider. We’re here to help you and your family achieve your best possible health.

— Debbie Streier is regional president/CEO of Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center.