Nine months can seem like an eternity for expectant parents. With the bump steadily getting heavier the pregnancy passes in a blur of obstetric visits, sonograms, baby clothes, and all-consuming nervousness over the coming birth.

Then the day arrives and the child (or even children) is greeted by the world. What comes next? Well, next is the hard part, besides diapers and feeds every 4 hours, there is a ritual undertaken by the vast majority of parents in the western world. It is time to begin considering immunizations so that the child will be prepared to enter daycare, preschool and elementary school.

Normally a baby benefits from the antibodies aquired from the mother's immune system. This aquired immunity last for up to 6 months but there comes a point when all parents have to consider having their baby immunized.

Most immunizations are delivered by injectionand health officials within the United States are searching for a means to alleviate the discomfort of vaccinations while still offering the benefits. One of the current issues brought forth by parents is the possible application of combining vaccines in order to limit the trauma associated with each office visit.

These visits to the doctors office begin at two months and continue on until around fourteen years of age. Each visit can entail up to three shots. Is it any wonder why some people become fearful of needles? These shots vary from measles to influenza and, as a result of the discomfort some babies feel, are heavily debated as to whether or not they are truly needed.

Vaccinations such as the ones listed above, were, earlier in this century, above reproach. Countless lives were saved from the ravages of diseases such as polio and small pox. Each person vaccinated cut down the likelihood of an outbreak of such lethal viruses until the chance of an epidemic was virtually nil.

Small pox has been eliminated from the world. Cuts resulting in a tetanus infection are no longer a significant worry and it is as a result of these positive outcomes of vaccination that have parents have begun debating whether or not the ordeal of vaccinations is really worth the potential benefits.

The alleged side effects to vacines range from paralysis to febrile seizures. While the chance for a negative reaction or side effect is very rare, they do occur. It is a subject of heavy debate for parents.

Though some diseases have been eliminated or reduced to a minimal threat others can and do strike with sometimes devastating effect.

Are vaccinations really worth this risk? Should vaccinations continue to be required by the Department of Education for entry into public schools or daycares?

This is a dilemma each parent must face on his or her own. There are no concrete facts to guide the decision, as the research is still ongoing. Perhaps one day, if the risks are eliminated or a less invasive way to administer the vaccines is developed, this issue will fade to the side and become merely a footnote in history.