What Parents Can Do to Protect Kids
The National Vaccine Information Council, a Vienna, Va., advocacy group formed by parents of children who experienced medical problems after vaccinations, advises the following:
* Become an educated parent. Ask your doctor for background material on vaccinations.
* Have your doctor make sure your child is healthy before any vaccinations.
* Make sure your child’s medical record includes a complete personal and family medical history. Ask the doctor if any major illnesses or conditions put your child at risk for a vaccination reaction.
* Closely monitor the child after vaccination. Report serious reactions to your doctor, or, if you can’t reach the doctor, go to an emergency room. Your doctor should report a serious reaction to health authorities, or you can report it by calling the federal Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System at (800) 822-7967. The doctor is legally required to keep vaccination records, including the vaccine manufacturer’s name and lot number.
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