The number of vaccinations children receive has steadily increased. Vaccinating children began 100 years ago with the small pox vaccine. Forty years ago there were five vaccines (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, and smallpox) with as many as eight shots by age two years.
Currently by age two children receive 11 different vaccines (diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, mumps, measles, rubella, inactivated polio, haemophilus influenzae type B , varicella, conjugated pneumococcal, and hepatitis B) given in up to 20 shots.
A recent study of parents found that 23% questioned the number of shots and 25% were concerned that the vaccines might weaken their children's immune systems.
A recent survey of the current literature found no evidence supporting the idea that "multiple vaccines overwhelm, weaken, or 'use up' the immune system." Young infants have strong immune systems capable of responding to the numerous vaccines currently recommended. The protection from bacterial and viral infections provided by vaccines actually "preserves" the infants' immune systems to fight of other infections.
The current schedule of infant immunizations is not only safe and effective, but actually helps infants fight off other infections
Pediatrics, 1/02, pp. 124-9.
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