Immunization helps your child become immune (protected) from diseases caused

by bacteria or viruses.

It also helps protect others around him or her.

Without immunization, the only way to become immune is to get the disease.
This is dangerous because your child can develop medical problems from the
disease that may be long-term or difficult to treat.

Immunization helps control diseases and prevents them from coming back after
they are controlled.

How is immunization done?

Inactivated (killed) or weakened forms of the virus or bacteria are given through
vaccines. Vaccines are usually given as shots or nasal sprays. The vaccine will cause your
child's body to produce antibodies. Antibodies are part of your child's immune system.
Your child's immune system will recognize the virus or bacteria if he or she is exposed
again. The system will produce the same antibodies to prevent the disease.

Which diseases can be prevented by vaccines?

 Diphtheria
 Hepatitis A and hepatitis B
 Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and influenza (flu)
 Human papillomavirus (HPV)
 Measles and mumps
 Meningococcus
 Pertussis (whooping cough)
 Pneumococcal disease, such as pneumonia
 CareNotes
 The Importance of Immunizations (Vaccines) for Children
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 The Importance of Immunizations (Vaccines) for Children
 Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on March 4, 2021.
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 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
 Why is immunization important?
 Immunization helps your child become immune (protected) from diseases caused
by bacteria or viruses.
 It also helps protect others around him or her.
 Without immunization, the only way to become immune is to get the disease. This
is dangerous because your child can develop medical problems from the disease
that may be long-term or difficult to treat.
 Immunization helps control diseases and prevents them from coming back after
they are controlled.


 How is immunization done?

 Inactivated (killed) or weakened forms of the virus or bacteria are given through
vaccines. Vaccines are usually given as shots or nasal sprays. The vaccine will
cause your child's body to produce antibodies. Antibodies are part of your child's
immune system. Your child's immune system will recognize the virus or bacteria
if he or she is exposed again. The system will produce the same antibodies to
prevent the disease.
 Which diseases can be prevented by vaccines?
 Diphtheria
 Hepatitis A and hepatitis B
 Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and influenza (flu)
 Human papillomavirus (HPV)
 Measles and mumps
 Meningococcus
 Pertussis (whooping cough)
 Pneumococcal disease, such as pneumonia
 Polio
 Rotavirus
 Rubella
 Tetanus
 Tuberculosis (TB)
 Varicella (chickenpox)
What do I need to know about immunization?
 You will get a Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) for each vaccine your child
receives. The VIS will explain what the vaccine is for and its risks and benefits.
You may be able to read the VIS before your child receives the vaccine. The VIS
may be printed or delivered electronically to you.
 Vaccines are given on a rec ommended schedule. Your child may need some
vaccines each year to protect him or her from new forms of a virus, such as the flu.
He or she will receive several vaccines, starting a few weeks after birth. He or she
will need 2 or more doses of each vaccine. Some of the vaccines are combined. He
or she may also need boosters. Follow the immunization schedule your child's
healthcare provider gives you, or bring your child in for catch-up doses.
 Some vaccines will protect your child when he or she is older. For example,
hepatitis A is not usually a risk for children. Immunization will help protect your
child from it when he or she is an adult.
 Some vaccines are only given for certain situations. Your child may need rabies
vaccines if he or she is bitten by an animal that can carry rabies. He or she may
need certain vaccines if he or she is traveling to another country. Tell his or her
healthcare provider as far as possible before your child travels. The vaccines may
take several weeks to become effective.
 Vaccines will not increase your child's risk for autism. Some parents worry that
vaccines increase the risk for autism. Research shows there is no connection
 between vaccines and autism. Talk to your child's healthcare provider if you have
concerns about the risk for autism.
 Keep a record of the vaccines your child receives. Your healthcare provider may
also keep electronic records. Records will help you make sure your child receives
all the vaccines he or she needs, and at the right times. He or she may need the
records to be able to enroll in school or college, or to play sports. Bring the record
with you to each immunization visit.
 What are the risks of immunization?
 Rarely, a vaccine can cause the person to become sick with the disease. The area
where your child got the shot may be red, swollen, or sore. These effects are
usually mild and go away in a few hours. Vaccines can cause allergic reactions in
some people. Tell your child's healthcare provider about all of his or her allergies.
Tell him or her if your child has a weakened immune system. He or she will not
be able to get the live forms of vaccines. Vaccines can also cause other serious
health problems, such as swelling in your child's brain, or paralysis.