Of course you want to help your child be healthy.
And the best way to ensure your child's good health is to prevent any illness before it starts. One way to do that is to give your child all of the proper vaccines. Many childhood diseases – including measles, diphtheria, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox – have been nearly eliminated thanks to vaccines.
Vaccines
When you think about vaccines, you might think of infants and toddlers. That's because most vaccines are given to kids before they are two years old. But some vaccines are given through the school years – and even into adulthood.
Today, 16 diseases can be prevented with vaccines. In most cases, the vaccines are given by injection. Some diseases need several shots of vaccine to give the fullest protection. For others, "booster" or follow-up shots are needed. Boosters are given between the ages of 4 and 6, and again at age 11 or 12. The HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine is given to girls who are 13-18 years old to help prevent cervical cancer.
Click here if you would like an Immunization Schedule for your child. This schedule is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
State Requirements
Before your children start school, your state will likely ask for proof that they are immunized. However, some states will excuse children from vaccines if their parents express medical, religious, or personal reasons. But before you decide against vaccines, consider this: In a study, children ages 5 to 19 who did not get immunized were 35 times more likely to get the measles than were those who did not get immunized.
Learn More
Read all you can about vaccines. And talk with your doctor. In particular, ask about any side effects that might occur. To take a Quiz on infant immunization, click here. To take a Quiz on adolescent and adult vaccines, click here. |
