Does antigenic overload exist? The role of multiple immunizations in infants.
There is no evidence that currently recommended vaccines overload or weaken the infant immune system. Infants have an enormous capacity to respond safely and effectively to multiple vaccines. The schedule for the administration of childhood vaccines is tailored to the unique developmental pattern of the infant immune system. Childhood vaccines provide immediate protection from common childhood illness and establish the foundation for lifelong immunity that develops with subsequent vaccination or infection. Widespread vaccination of infants and children represents a public health triumph of the 20th century. This fact must be reinforced continually by health care workers and parent education to help maintain progress in the 21st century.
Gregson
Aric L
AL
Malaria Section, Center for Vaccine Development, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 West Baltimore Street, HSF Room 480, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
Edelman
Robert
R
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000941:Antigens / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000276:immunology; D007154:Immune System Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D007109:Immunity / Q000276:immunology; D007114:Immunization / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000379:methods; D007115:Immunization Schedule; D007223:Infant; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D014612:Vaccines / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology*; D017778:Vaccines, Combined / Q000009:adverse effects
D000941:Antigens; D014612:Vaccines; D017778:Vaccines, Combined