Is vaccination really that important for newborns? My friend hasn't got it done on her son and he seems to be doing fine. But as a soon-to-be mum, I am confused. Could somebody please advise.

As parents, we want to do everything possible to make sure our children are healthy and protected from preventable diseases and vaccination is the best way to do that. Vaccination protects children from serious illness and complications of vaccine-preventable diseases which can include amputation of an arm or leg, paralysis of limbs, hearing loss, convulsions, brain damage, and death. If an unvaccinated child is exposed to a disease germ, the child's body may not be strong enough to fight the disease. Vaccinations are safe and effective. All vaccines undergo long and careful review by scientists, doctors, and the federal government to make sure they are safe. So don't worry.