Final answer:
Shots, or vaccines, are important for children's health because they safely provide immunity to serious diseases. Misinformation about vaccine safety has been debunked, and it is vital that parents rely on credible medical advice. Vaccinations help protect children like Hannah from severe illnesses like meningitis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Giving shots to young children is indeed a good practice for their health. The shots, or vaccines, involve administering a weakened or dead pathogen to stimulate the child's immune system to develop antibodies. This process provides immunity without causing the disease itself. In the case of baby Juan, the pediatrician is recommending shots that are part of a standard vaccination schedule for children, which has been proven safe and effective.
It's important for parents like Elena and Daris to receive credible information about vaccinations and to understand that the original study claiming a link between the MMR vaccine and autism was fraudulent. Vaccines are critical in preventing serious diseases such as meningitis, as exemplified by Hannah's physician immediately starting her on antibiotics to treat a suspected case. Recognizing these benefits and dismissing unqualified sources of misinformation is key to making informed health decisions for their children.