Q: “Do vaccinations increase my child’s risk of asthma?”

A: Recent research does not support the theory that specific vaccines, or the number of vaccines administered, lead to an increased risk of childhood asthma.

One large study found no increased risk of developing childhood asthma associated with diphtheria, tetanus, whole cell pertussis vaccine; measles, mumps, rubella vaccine; and oral polio vaccine.

In another large study, researchers examined whether immunizations received before 18 months of age were related to asthma in later childhood and found no association.

Vaccines are an especially important precaution for children with asthma. According to the American Lung Association, many hospitalizations due to asthma could be prevented by influenza vaccination, which has been proven to be safe in children and adults with asthma.

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