Childhood vaccinations have been an ongoing debate and now more than ever parents are raising concerns that vaccinations are linked to other illnesses.  News ten’s Kellie Brown caught up with one pediatrician here in Acadiana to find out the truth.

“Kellie: “To vaccinate or not? That’s the question many patents are asking. However one pediatrician here in Acadiana says the answer is simple.””

“Dr. Hamilton: “vaccines are a safety issue, like wearing your seat belt.””

Dr. Scott Hamilton, Director of the Pediatric Emergency Department at Lafayette General Medical Center says a recent study showing a link between the measles vaccine and autism was retracted.  But some parents still believe it.

Hamilton says children do begin to show signs of autism around the same age that they’re vaccinated.

However, he says autism and vaccinations are not linked.

“Dr. Hamilton: “they have tried to put them together and they just can’t put them together. So vaccines do not cause autism in any statistical or scientific way what so ever.””

Louisiana’s immunization law requires all children have up to date vaccines before entering school. State health officials say 90% of kids in Louisiana are vaccinated.

94% of children in Lafayette Parish have received vaccinations.

Dr. Hamilton: The chances of getting very sick unvaccinated are much, much greater than the chance of being hurt by a vaccine.

Children now get twice as many vaccinations as they did in 1980. Many of them receive up to 20 shots by their first birthday.

Hamilton says it’s better to be safe than sorry.

“Dr. Hamilton: “I saw two children die of tetanus and I saw lots and lots of children with measles and it’s a terrible death and they’re  terrible illnesses and I’ve seen that first hand.”

Kellie Brown