With Nebraska reporting its first case of measles, Gothenburg Health is working to ease concerns and share facts about childhood vaccinations.

Dr. Kayla Knauss, a family practice physician at Gothenburg Health, said one of the most common questions she hears from parents is about the number of vaccines children receive.

“It’s important to understand how vaccines work,” Knauss said. “We give your body a ‘playbook’ for a disease so it can recognize and fight it off if you're ever exposed.”

While the number of vaccines has increased over the years—from eight diseases in the 1980s to 14 today—Knauss said the number of antigens, or components that trigger an immune response, has actually decreased. Children now receive about 150 antigens through vaccines, compared to 3,000 in the past.

“Kids are exposed to thousands of antigens every day just by playing and eating,” she said. “Vaccines add a small number to that, but they give strong protection with fewer side effects.”

Some vaccines require multiple doses to build full immunity, which can worry parents. But Knauss emphasized that children’s immune systems are built to handle it. She also stressed the importance of vaccines for community health.

“When vaccination rates drop, we risk outbreaks,” she said. “That puts not only unvaccinated people at risk, but also those who are immunocompromised or didn’t respond well to the vaccine.”

Dr. Dalrymple, another family practice provider at Gothenburg Health, addressed common concernsabout vaccine ingredients.

“People often ask about mercury,” she said. “A mercury-based compound was removed from almost all vaccines in the early 2000s. It’s only found in some multi-dose flu shots, and it’s a different, less harmful form than what people usually think of.”

She also explained that aluminum, used to boost immune response, is present in much smaller amounts than what babies get from formula or breast milk. Formaldehyde, used to deactivate viruses in vaccines, is found in even lower levels than what naturally exists in the human body.

“I understand these names can sound scary,” Dalrymple said. “But when you know the science, it’s clear these ingredients are safe.”

Dr. Brady Beecham, Chief Medical Officer at Gothenburg Health, addressed one of the most persistent concerns: the false link between the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine and autism.

“As a doctor and a parent, I understand how important these decisions are,” Beecham said. “But dozens of large, high-quality studies have shown the MMR vaccine is safe. None have found a link to autism.”

Beecham reminded parents that measles, mumps, and rubella are serious diseases that can cause rashes, brain swelling, pneumonia, and even death.

“As a parent, I vaccinate my own kids,” she said. “As a doctor, I want to help you feel confident doing the same. It’s one of the safest and most effective things you can do for your child’s health.”

All three providers encouraged parents to talk openly with their healthcare team.

“There’s a lot of information out there, and it can be hard to know what’s true,” Knauss said. “We’re here to support you.”

Beecham added, “We’re on your side. Bring your questions—we’re here to help.”

Contact Gothenburg Health to schedule an appointment with a provider by calling 308-537-3661.