Dr. Janet Sullivan of Hudson Health Plan gives us the answer

In my grandmother's time many children died or suffered lasting harm from diseases like pertussis, measles and polio. We are very lucky to live in a country where such diseases are now rare. But many of the diseases that had become almost extinct are sneaking back. Why? Because children who are not immunized are not protected, and with modern travel, as long as these diseases exist anywhere in the world, someone traveling in our country from abroad can bring an infection with them.

Bad reactions to immunizations can happen, but they are rare. In my opinion it is a greater risk not to vaccinate. Talk to your doctor about your own child. In most cases, the best answer is to be sure your children get all their shots on time.