Vaccinations

What is a vaccination?

A vaccination is a substance that’s given to your child in the form of an injection, nasal spray, or oral liquid. The purpose of this substance is to make the child immune to a certain pathogen that causes illness.

How do vaccines work?

Your child’s immune system is responsible for fighting off pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, that could make your child ill. Vaccinations introduce a weakened or dead form of a dangerous pathogen to your child’s immune system so your child’s body can learn to fight the pathogen effectively. If the vaccination is successful, your child’s immune system will recognize the pathogen in the future and fight it off before it can make your child sick.

When are vaccinations necessary?

Children begin receiving vaccinations shortly after birth. Most of these vaccinations must be administered a few times before your child will have the proper amount of protection. Others, such as the influenza vaccine, are administered every year. Your child’s doctor will tell you which vaccinations your child needs at each checkup.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently recommend the following vaccinations for children:

• Varicella
• DTaP
• Hib
• HepA
• HepB
• IPV
• MMR
• Influenza
• PCV
• Rotavirus
• Tdap
• Meningococcus
• HPV

Specific children may need additional vaccines. Your child’s doctor can tell you exactly which vaccinations are appropriate for your child.

Are vaccinations safe?

Vaccinations are generally safe for most children. In rare cases, children may have an allergic reaction to a vaccination. Children may also have soreness, redness, or swelling at the site of the vaccination, and they may experience mild flu-like symptoms after certain vaccinations. However, the risks associated with vaccinations aren’t nearly as serious as the risks associated with the diseases they protect your child against.

Some children may have conditions that make vaccinations dangerous. Your child’s doctor will tell you whether vaccinations are safe for your child.

What happens if a child misses vaccines?

If your child is behind on their vaccines, it’s usually possible to catch up. Talk to your child’s doctor about an appropriate vaccination schedule that will get your child up-to-date.