Ten Things Parents Need to Know about Childhood Immunizations

courtesy of the CDC National Immunization Program

Getting your child immunized--and immunized on time-- is one of the most important things you can do to help protect her health. The amount of information available on childhood immunizations is staggering, but here is a good summary of 10 important things you should know about immunizations, prepared by the National Immunization Program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

1. Why should my child be immunized?
   Children need immunizations (shots) to protect them from dangerous childhood diseases. These diseases can have serious complications and even kill children.
   
   
2. What diseases do childhood vaccines prevent?
   
   • Measles
     
   • Mumps
     
   • Polio
     
   • Rubella (German measles)
     
   • Pertussis (whooping cough)
     
   • Diphtheria
     
   • Tetanus (lockjaw)
     
   • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib disease, a major cause of bacterial meningitis)
     
   • Hepatitis B
     
   • Varicella (chickenpox)
     
   • Pneumococcal disease (causes bacterial meningitis and blood infections)
      
   • Rotavirus
      
   • Human Papliomavirus
   
   
3. How many shots does my child need?
    

   The following vaccinations are recommended by age two and can be given over five visits to a doctor or clinic: 4 doses of diphtheria, tetanus & pertussis vaccine (DTaP) 3-4 doses of Hib vaccine (depending on the brand used) 4 doses of pneumococcal vaccine 3 doses of polio vaccine 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine 1 dose of measles, mumps & rubella vaccine (MMR) 3 doses of rotavirus vaccine 1 dose of varicella vaccine 2-3 doses of influenza vaccine (6 months and older) (number of doses depends on child's birthday) 3 doses of the HPV (human papliomavirus) Vaccine

   
   
4. Do these vaccines have any side effects?
   Side effects can occur with any medicine, including vaccines. Depending on the vaccine, these can include slight fever, rash, or soreness at the site of injection. Slight discomfort is normal and should not be a cause for alarm. Your healthcare provider can give you additional information.
   
   
5. Can they cause serious reactions?
   Yes, but serious reactions to vaccines are extremely rare. The risks of serious disease from not vaccinating are far greater than the risks of serious reaction to a vaccination.
   
   
6. What do I do if my child has a serious reaction?
   If you think your child is experiencing a persistent or severe reaction, call your doctor or get the child to a doctor right away. Write down what happened and the date and time it happened. Ask your doctor, nurse, or health department to file a Vaccine Adverse Event Report form or call 1-800-338-2382 to report this information yourself.
   
   
7. Why can't I wait until school to have my child immunized?
   Children under five are especially susceptible to disease because their immune systems have not built up the necessary defenses to fight infection. By immunizing on time (by age two), you can protect your child from disease and also protect others at school or daycare.
   
   
8. Why is a vaccination health record important?
   A vaccination health record helps you and your healthcare provider keep your child's vaccinations on schedule. If you move or change providers, having an accurate record might prevent your child from repeating vaccinations he or she has already had. A shot record should be started when your child receives his/her first vaccination and updated with each vaccination visit.
   
   
9. Where can I get free vaccines?
   A federal program called Vaccines for Children provides free vaccines to eligible children, including those without health insurance coverage, all those who are enrolled in Medicaid, American Indians, and Alaskan Natives.
   
   
10. Where can I get more information?
    You can go to the National Network for Immunization Information website or the CDC website, or call the National Immunization Information Hotline at 1-800-232-2522 (English) or 1-800-232-0233 (Spanish)

As a reminder, this information should not be relied on as medical advice and is not intended to replace the advice of your child’s pediatrician. Please read our full disclaimer.