5 Reasons Not To Delay Your Child's Vaccines

This blog was originally published in 2022 and has been updated as of October 13, 2025 to reflect current times.

We continue to stress how important it is for kids to get their routine childhood vaccines according to the recommended schedule, which is based on rigorous scientific research and sound evidence. Children are at risk of getting potentially dangerous vaccine-preventable infections if their vaccines are delayed.

The CDC vaccine advisory committee (ACIP) recently voted to remove the option of the combined MMRV (measles/mumps/rubella/varicella) vaccine for children under 4-years of age because of a small increased risk of febrile seizures that was previously known. However, separate MMR + V vaccines are available and in fact, ~85% of families have historically chosen the separate vaccines which should be given at the same time to children aged 12- to 15-months. The MMRV vaccine can be given safely to children from 4-6 years of age.
Connecticut health officials have reaffirmed their stance, joining six other Northeast states plus New York City, by emphasizing the importance of following the widely-accepted routine childhood vaccine schedule. Unless there is a specific medical reason, kids should all be vaccinated on time.

We encourage families to discuss your vaccine questions with trusted healthcare professionals who can provide you with accurate and reliable information. Our providers are always available to answer your questions.

To share an important reminder to parents, Andrew Carlson, MD, Division Head of Primary Care at Connecticut Children’s, joins the Growing Healthy blog.

1. Vaccines are essential to keep your child healthy.

Vaccines prevent more than a dozen serious diseases. Without timely vaccination, your child faces risks of severe illness—including pain, long-term disability, and even death—from diseases like measles and whooping cough. Vaccines have dramatically increased childhood survival over the past century, making once-common diseases rare today.

2. Vaccines help prevent future pandemics.

The COVID-19 pandemic starkly revealed how quickly a contagious disease can spread and disrupt society. Vaccines remain our strongest defense to prevent widespread outbreaks and protect communities. Staying current on vaccinations is a crucial part of preventing the next pandemic.

3. Many vaccine-preventable diseases are especially dangerous for young children.

Even small delays in vaccination leave infants and toddlers vulnerable during their most critical early months. During the height of the 2020 shelter-at-home orders, healthcare authorities like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasized that well-child visits and vaccinations are essential care—and urged parents to follow the recommended schedule without delay. The takeaway? Don’t delay.

4. Even in the U.S., there are still outbreaks of serious, vaccine-preventable diseases like measles, mumps, whooping cough and polio.

Unfortunately, these numbers have risen in recent years. If your child hasn’t been vaccinated, their risk is rising, too.

Immunization rates fell in the U.S. and worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic and have not fully recovered. This increases the chances that your child could be exposed to others who are not fully immunized and could therefore spread a contagious illness to your child.

5. Children who are not protected by vaccines will be more vulnerable to diseases such as measles.

We’ve all heard of measles which is a highly contagious disease. By far, the most effective way to prevent outbreaks, is through widespread vaccination. Maintaining high vaccination rates protects your child and our community.

Startling Fact: Measles is far more contagious than COVID or the flu. Measles droplets stay suspended in the air for up to two hours after the infected person leaves the room. One contagious person can infect 12 to 18 people.

Positive Fact: The Connecticut Department of Public Health has recently stated that Connecticut has the highest rate of measles vaccination in the nation at 98.4%. This has been increasing yearly since 2021 when the CT legislature removed non-medical exemptions as reasons to decline vaccines when entering school.

What You Can Do
If your child is overdue for any vaccine, please call your pediatrician today to schedule an appointment. No judgment—just education and support.

Still have questions?
Talk to your child’s doctor. We’re here to be a trusted source of accurate, science-based information for your family, including guidance on vaccines and safely navigating this next chapter of the coronavirus pandemic.