You want to ensure you're doing what's best for your child and not putting them in harm's way, just like every parent out there. Here are five reasons why you should vaccinate your child, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
 
Vaccinations are safe and effective: Perhaps the foremost concern the general population has about vaccinations is that they are unsafe. Before vaccinations can be certified as safe, scientists and professionals in the health care industry, including pediatricians, review them. Of course, your child will likely cry and experience some discomfort at the injection site as well as possible redness and tenderness. What you should keep in mind, however, is that the diseases your child can develop from not getting the immunizations are much more painful. 
 
Immunizations can save your child's life: These related diseases that once claimed the lives of Americans have almost all been eradicated due to vaccinations. Diseases that used to be feared, such as polio, are no longer reported because children are protected against them due to immunizations. 
 
Immunizations protect future generations: When a disease can be eliminated today, it will protect future generations as well. This may often be something that people don't consider as they see a small baby and don't really think about him or her becoming an adult and having a family of their own. For example, small pox isn't a disease that children need to be protected against anymore because vaccinations helped eradicate the illness decades ago. 
 
Vaccinations protect those around you: There has been an increase in the number of cases of whooping cough and measles in recent years. It's most likely to be fatal in children younger than 6 months because they cannot be completely vaccinated. People who have severe allergies and weakened immune systems also can't receive vaccinations. In this instance, it's important for children to have their vaccinations because they won't infect those who can't have immunizations with diseases. 
 
Vaccinations save time and money: When your child is protected against diseases it lessens the chances of getting sick, ending up in the hospital or needing medical treatment. As a result, this will save you not only significant time and money, but stress as well. Diseases can cause lasting damage and harm to your children, and when you choose to have them vaccinated they will be saved from the lasting (and costly) side effects that can result from some of these illnesses.