evidence: There are many reasons parents give for delaying a vaccination, from "My baby cries when she gets the shot," to "My child is too young to get so many vaccines." More important than all of these excuses is one simple fact: A child's immune system is more vulnerable without vaccinations. And if it weren't for vaccinations, many children could become seriously ill or even die from diseases such as measles, mumps and whooping cough. See "The Diseases Vaccines Prevent and How" for more information. [...] The threat of death by disease isn't the only medical consequence of skipping vaccinations. An unvaccinated child faces lifelong differences that could potentially put him or her at risk. Every time you call 911, ride in an ambulance, go to the doctor or visit the hospital emergency room, you must alert medical personnel of your child's vaccination status so he or she receives distinctive treatment. Because unvaccinated children can require treatment that is out of the ordinary, medical staff may be less familiar, and less experienced, with the procedures required to appropriately treat your child. [...] People who choose not to vaccinate their children also put others at risk if their child isn't vaccinated and becomes ill. Special groups of people cannot be vaccinated, including those with compromised immune systems (e.g. those with leukemia or other cancers). These people rely on the general public being vaccinated so their risk of exposure is reduced.