At birth, infants have protection against certain diseases because antibodies have passed through the placenta from the mother to the unborn child. After birth, breastfed babies get the continued benefits of additional antibodies in breast milk. But in both cases, the protection is temporary.
Immunization (vaccination) is a way of creating immunity to certain diseases by using small amounts of a killed or weakened microorganism that causes the particular disease.
Microorganisms can be viruses, such as the measles virus, or they can be bacteria, such as pneumococcus. Vaccines stimulate the immune system to react as if there were a real infection — it fends off the "infection" and remembers the organism so that it can fight it quickly should it enter the body later.
Some parents may hesitate to have their kids vaccinated because they're worried that the children will have serious reactions or may get the illness the vaccine is supposed to prevent. Because the components of vaccines are weakened or killed — and in some cases, only parts of the microorganism are used — they're unlikely to cause any serious illness. Some vaccines may cause mild reactions, such as soreness where the shot was given or fever, but serious reactions are rare.
The risks of vaccinations are small compared with the health risks associated with the diseases they're intended to prevent.
The following vaccinations and schedules are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Please note that some variations are acceptable and that changes in recommendations frequently occur as new vaccines are developed. The AAP recommends that children get combination vaccines (rather than single vaccines) whenever possible. Many vaccines are offered in combination to help reduce the number of shots a child receives.
Your doctor will determine the best vaccinations and schedule for your child.
Recommended vaccinations:
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects the liver. Those who are infected can become lifelong carriers of the virus and may develop long-term problems such as cirrhosis (liver disease) or cancer of the liver.
Immunization Schedule
Hepatitis B vaccine usually is given as a series of three injections. The first shot is often given to infants shortly after birth. If the mother of a newborn carries the hepatitis B virus in her blood, the infant needs to receive the first shot within 12 hours after birth, along with another shot (HBIG) to immediately provide protection against the virus. If a newborn's mother shows no evidence of HBV in her blood, the infant may receive the hepatitis B vaccine any time prior to leaving the hospital. It may also be delayed until the 1- or 2- month visit to your doctor.
If the first dose is given shortly after birth, the second shot is given at 1 to 2 months and the third at 6 to 18 months. For infants who don't receive the first shot until 1 to 2 months, the second shot is given at 3 to 4 months and the third at 6 to 18 months. In either case, the second and third shots are usually given in conjunction with other routine childhood immunizations.
Why the Vaccine Is Recommended
The hepatitis B vaccine usually creates long-term immunity. Infants who receive the HBV series should be protected from hepatitis B infection not only throughout their childhood but also into the adult years. Eliminating the risk of infection also decreases risk for cirrhosis of the liver, chronic liver disease, and liver cancer. Young adults and adolescents should also receive the vaccine if they did not as infants.
Possible Risks
There is a very small chance of an allergic reaction with any vaccine. Serious problems associated with receiving the HBV vaccine are rare. Problems that do occur tend to be minor, such as fever or redness or tenderness at the injection site.
When to Delay or Avoid Immunization
- if your child is currently sick, although simple colds or other minor illnesses should not prevent immunization
- if a severe allergic reaction (called anaphylaxis) occurred after a previous injection of the HBV vaccine or to baker's yeast
Caring for Your Child After Immunization
The vaccine may cause mild fever, and soreness and redness in the area where the shot was given. Depending on the age of your child, pain and fever may be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Very young infants should not be given either medication, but for older infants or children, check with the doctor about the appropriate medication and dose.
When to Call the Doctor
- if you're not sure of the recommended schedule for the hepatitis B vaccine
- if you have concerns about your own HBV carrier state
- if moderate or serious adverse effects appear after your child has received an HBV injection
Pneumococcal Vaccine (PCV)
The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) protects against pneumococcal infections. The bacterium is a leading cause of serious infections, including pneumonia, blood infections, and bacterial meningitis.
Children under 2 years old, adults over 65 years old, and people with certain medical conditions are most susceptible to serious pneumococcal infections. The pneumococcus bacterium is spread through person-to-person contact. The vaccine not only prevents the infection in children who receive it, it also helps stop its spread.
Immunization Schedule
PCV immunizations are given as a series of four injections starting at 2 months of age and following at 4 months, 6 months, and 12 to 15 months. Kids who miss the first dose or may have missed subsequent doses due to vaccine shortage should still receive the vaccine, and your doctor can give you a modified schedule for immunization.
Why the Vaccine Is Recommended
The most serious infections affect children younger than 2 years old, and the vaccine will protect them when they're at greatest risk.
PCV also is recommended for kids between 2 and 5 years of age who are at high risk for serious pneumococcal infections because they have medical problems such as:
- sickle cell anemia
- a damaged spleen or no spleen
- HIV/AIDS
- cochlear implants
- a disease that affects the immune system, such as diabetes or cancer
- receiving medications that affect the immune system, such as steroids or chemotherapy
- chronic heart or lung disease
In addition, these high-risk children may also receive the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) in addition to the PCV when they're older than 24 months.
The PCV vaccine should be considered for all other unvaccinated 2- to -5-year-olds, especially those who are under 3 years of age; are of Alaska Native, American Indian, or African American descent; or who attend group childcare centers.
Possible Risks
Children who receive the PCV vaccine may have redness, tenderness, or swelling where the shot was given. A child may also have a fever after receiving the shot. There is a very small chance of an allergic reaction with any vaccine.
When to Delay or Avoid Immunization
- if your child is currently sick, although simple colds or other minor illnesses should not prevent immunization
- if your child has had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine
Caring for Your Child After Immunization
The vaccine may cause mild fever, and soreness and redness in the area where the shot was given. Depending on the age of your child, pain and fever may be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Check with your doctor to see if you can give either medication, and to find out the appropriate dose.
When to Call the Doctor
- if your child missed a dose in the series
- if a severe allergic reaction or high fever occurs after immunization
DTaP
The DTaP vaccine protects against:
- diphtheria — a serious infection of the throat that can block the airway and cause severe breathing difficulty
- tetanus (lockjaw) — a nerve disease, which can occur at any age, caused by toxin-producing bacteria contaminating a wound
- pertussis (whooping cough) — a respiratory illness with cold symptoms that progress to severe coughing (the "whooping" sound occurs when the child breathes in deeply after a severe coughing bout); serious complications of pertussis can occur in children under 1 year of age, and those under 6 months old are especially susceptible. Teens and adults with a persistent cough may not realize they have pertussis, and may pass it to vulnerable infants.
Immunization Schedule
DTaP immunizations are given as a series of five injections and are usually administered at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15 to 18 months, and 4 to 6 years. After the initial series of immunizations, a vaccine called Tdap (the booster shot) should be given at ages 11 to 12, or to older teens and adults who haven't yet received a booster with pertussis coverage. Then, Td (tetanus and diphtheria) boosters are recommended every 10 years.
Why the Vaccine Is Recommended
Use of the DTaP vaccine has virtually eliminated diphtheria and tetanus in childhood and has markedly reduced the number of pertussis cases.
Possible Risks
The vaccine frequently causes mild side effects: fever, mild crankiness, tiredness, loss of appetite, and tenderness, redness, or swelling in the area where the shot was given. Rarely, seizures or allergic reactions can occur following DTaP. Most of these side effects result from the pertussis component of the vaccine. Severe complications caused by DTaP immunization are rare. Most kids have little or no problem.
When to Delay or Avoid Immunization
- if your child is currently sick, although simple colds or other minor illnesses should not prevent immunization
- if your child has an uncontrolled seizure disorder or certain neurologic diseases or seems not to be developing normally — the pertussis component of the vaccine may not be given, and your child may receive a DT (diphtheria and tetanus) vaccine instead
If your child experienced any of the following after an earlier DTaP, consult with your doctor before your child receives another injection of the vaccine:
- seizures within 7 days after injection
- worsening of seizures
- an allergic reaction after receiving the vaccine, such as mouth, throat, or facial swelling
- difficulty breathing
- temperature of 105° Fahrenheit (40.5° Celsius) or higher during the first 2 days after injection
- shock or collapse during the first 2 days after injection
- persistent, uncontrolled crying that lasts for more than 3 hours during the first 2 days after injection
Caring for Your Child After Immunization
Your child may experience fever, soreness, and some swelling and redness in the area where the shot was given. Depending on the age of your child, pain and fever may be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Check with your doctor to see if you can give either medication, and to find out the appropriate dose.
A warm, damp cloth or a heating pad also may help reduce soreness. Moving or using the limb that has received the injection often reduces the soreness.
When to Call the Doctor
- if you aren't sure whether the vaccine should be postponed or avoided. Children who have had certain problems with the DTaP vaccine usually can safely receive the DT vaccine.
- if complications or severe symptoms develop after immunization, including seizures, fever above 105° Fahrenheit (40.5° Celsius), difficulty breathing or other signs of allergy, shock or collapse, or uncontrolled crying for more than 3 hours
Hib
Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria were the leading cause of meningitis in children under 5 years until the Hib vaccine became available.
Immunization Schedule
The Hib vaccine is given by injection at ages 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months (however, some of the Hib vaccines do not require a dose at 6 months). A booster dose is given at 12 to 15 months.
Why the Vaccine Is Recommended
The vaccine provides long-term protection from Haemophilus influenzae type b. Those immunized have protection against Hib meningitis, pneumonia, pericarditis (an infection of the membrane covering the heart), and infections of the blood, bones, and joints caused by the bacteria.
Possible Risks
Minor problems, such as redness, swelling, or tenderness where the shot was given, may occur. There is a very small chance of an allergic reaction with any vaccine.
When to Delay or Avoid Immunization
- if your child is currently sick, although simple colds or other minor illnesses should not prevent immunization
- if severe allergic reaction occurs after an injection of the Hib vaccine, further Hib immunizations may not be given to your child
Caring for Your Child After Immunization
The vaccine may cause mild soreness and redness in the area where the shot was given. Depending on the age of your child, pain and fever may be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Check with your doctor to see if you can give either medication, and to find out the appropriate dose.
When to Call the Doctor
- if you aren't sure whether the vaccine should be postponed or avoided
- if moderate or serious adverse reactions appear after the Hib injection
IPV
Polio is a viral infection that can result in permanent paralysis.
Immunization Schedule
The inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) is usually given at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 to 18 months, and 4 to 6 years.
Until recently, the oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) was given in the United States. Updated recommendations by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices now call for IPV injections. This change eliminates the previous small risk of developing polio after receiving the live oral polio vaccine.
Why the Vaccine Is Recommended
The vaccine offers protection against polio, which can cause paralysis and death.
Possible Risks
Side effects include fever and redness or soreness at the site of injection. There is a very small chance of an allergic reaction with any vaccine.
When to Delay or Avoid Immunization
- IPV should not be given to kids with severe allergy to neomycin, streptomycin, or polymyxin B.
- IPV should not be given to kids who had a severe allergic reaction to a previous IPV shot.
Caring for Your Child After Immunization
IPV may cause mild fever, and soreness and redness at the site of the injection for several days. Depending on the age of your child, pain and fever may be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Check with your doctor to see if you can give either medication, and to find out the appropriate dose.
When to Call the Doctor
- if you aren't sure whether the vaccine should be postponed or avoided
- if moderate or severe adverse reactions occur after the immunization
Influenza
Influenza, or "the flu," is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract.
Immunization Schedule
In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get both the seasonal flu and H1N1 (Swine) flu vaccines. However, certain groups are at increased risk of flu-related complications and should receive both vaccines. They include:
- for the seasonal flu vaccine, all children between 6 months and 18 years old, especially those 6 to 59 months old; the H1N1 vaccine is recommended from age 6 months through 24 years
- any child or adult with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, sickle cell anemia, and HIV/AIDS
- kids and teens on long-term aspirin therapy
- anyone age 50 and older
- women who will be pregnant during the flu season
- anyone who lives or works with infants (especially those under 6 months old)
- residents of long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes
- health care personnel who have direct contact with patients
- out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of anyone in any of these high-risk groups
In the past, there have been times when there were vaccine shortages and delays. So talk with your doctor about availability.
For kids younger than 9 who are getting either the seasonal or H1N1 vaccine for the first time, it's given in two separate shots a month apart. It can take about 2 weeks after the shot is given for the body to build up protection against the flu.
A non-shot option called the nasal mist vaccine came on the market in 2003 for the seasonal flu, and in 2009 for the H1N1 virus, and is now approved for use in healthy 2- to 49-year-olds. The nasal mist contains live but weakened virus that will not cause the flu. However, the vaccine it isn't recommended for kids with certain medical conditions or pregnant women. Talk to your doctor about which vaccine is right for your child.
Why the Vaccine Is Recommended
The flu vaccine reduces the average person's chances of catching the flu by up to 80% during the season. Getting the shot before the flu season is in full force gives the body a chance to build up immunity to, or protection from, the virus.
The shot usually becomes available between September and mid-November. Although you can get a flu shot well into flu season, it's best to try to get it earlier rather than later, if your doctor thinks it's necessary. However, later in the flu season, it's still a good idea to get protection.
Even if you or your child got the seasonal flu vaccine last year, that won't protect you from getting the seasonal flu this year, because the protection wears off and flu viruses constantly change. That's why the vaccine is updated each year to include the most current strains of the virus.
A good example of how flu viruses change (and sometimes develop new strains) was the outbreak of the new H1N1 flu in 2009. This flu strain was not included in the 2009-2010 seasonal flu vaccine, so a separate H1N1 flu vaccine was developed. However, in the future, guidelines for this new vaccine may change, so check with your doctor about what's recommended for your child.
Possible Risks
Given as an injection in the upper arm, the flu shot contains killed flu viruses that will not cause someone to get the flu, but will cause the body to make antibodies to fight off a live flu virus if it does enter the body.
Some of the most common side effects from the flu shot are soreness, redness, or swelling at the site of the injection. A low-grade fever and aches are also possible. Because the nasal spray flu vaccine is made from live viruses, it may cause mild flu-like symptoms, including runny nose, headache, vomiting, muscle aches, and fever. Very rarely, the flu vaccine can cause serious side effects such as a severe allergic reaction.
When to Delay or Avoid Immunization
People who should not get the seasonal or H1N1 flu shot include:
- infants under 6 months old
- anyone who's severely allergic to eggs and egg products because the ingredients for flu shots are grown inside eggs. Tell the doctor if your child is allergic before he or she gets a flu shot.
- anyone who's ever had a severe reaction to a flu vaccination
- anyone who's had Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS, a rare medical condition that affects the nerves)
- anyone with a fever
Caring for Your Child After Immunization
Pain and fever may be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Check with your doctor to see if you can give either medication, and to find out the appropriate dose. Some doctors recommend a dose just before the immunization. A warm, damp cloth or a heating pad also may help minimize soreness. Moving or using the limb that has received the injection often reduces the soreness as well.
When to Call the Doctor
- if you aren't sure if the vaccine should be postponed or avoided
- if there are problems after the immunization
MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles). MMR vaccinations are given by injection in two doses. The first is administered at age 12 to 15 months; the second generally is given at age 4 to 6 years.
Why the Vaccine Is Recommended
Measles, mumps, and rubella are infections that can lead to significant illness. More than 95% of children receiving MMR will be protected from the three diseases throughout their lives.
Possible Risks
Serious problems such as allergic reactions are rare. Potential mild to moderate adverse effects include rash, fever, swollen cheeks, febrile seizures, and mild joint pain.
When to Delay or Avoid Immunization
- if your child is currently sick, although simple colds or other minor illnesses should not prevent immunization
- if your child has an allergy to gelatin or to the antibiotic neomycin, check with your doctor about immunization
- if your child had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of MMR vaccine
- if your child has recently received gamma globulin or a blood transfusion, check with your doctor about immunization
- if your child has a medical problem that affects the immune system, such as cancer
- if your child is taking prednisone, steroids, or other immunosuppressive drugs
- if your child is undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- if your child has ever had a low platelet count, check with your doctor about immunization
- pregnant women should wait until after delivery for the vaccine
Caring for Your Child After Immunization
If a rash develops without other symptoms, no treatment is necessary and it should resolve within several days. Pain and fever may be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Check with your doctor to see if you can give either medication, and find out the appropriate dose.
When to Call the Doctor
- if you aren't sure if the vaccine should be postponed or avoided
- if there are problems after the immunization
Varicella (chickenpox)
The varicella vaccine protects against chickenpox (varicella), a common and very contagious childhood viral illness.
Immunization Schedule
The varicella vaccine is given by injection between the ages of 12 and 15 months, followed by a booster shot at 4 to 6 years of age for further protection. Older kids under the age of 13 years who have not had chickenpox may also receive the vaccine, with the two doses given at least 3 months apart. Kids 13 years or older who have not had either chickenpox or the vaccine need two vaccine doses at least 1 month apart.
Why the Vaccine Is Recommended
The varicella vaccine prevents severe illness in almost all children who are immunized. It's up to 85% effective in preventing mild illness. Vaccinated kids who do get chickenpox generally have a mild case.
Possible Risks
Serious reactions such as allergic reactions are extremely rare. Possible mild effects are tenderness and redness where the shot was given, fever, fatigue, and a varicella-like illness. A rash can occur up to 1 month after the injection. It may last for several days but will disappear on its own without treatment. There is a very small risk of febrile seizures after vaccination.
When to Delay or Avoid Immunization
- if your child is currently sick, although simple colds or other minor illnesses should not prevent immunization
- if your child has an allergy to gelatin or to the antibiotic neomycin that has required medical treatment
- if your child had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of varicella vaccine
- if your child has recently received gamma globulin or a blood transfusion, talk to your doctor about immunization
- if your child has a disorder that affects the immune system, such as cancer; is taking prednisone, steroids, or other immunosuppressive drugs; or is undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- pregnant women should wait until after delivery for vaccination
Caring for Your Child After Immunization
Pain and fever may be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Check with your doctor to see if you can give either medication, and find out the appropriate dose.
When to Call the Doctor
- if you aren't sure if the vaccine should be postponed or avoided
- if there are problems after the immunization
MCV4
The meningitis vaccine protects against meningococcal disease, a serious bacterial infection that can lead to bacterial meningitis.
The vaccine is recommended for kids at age 11 or 12 years, at ages 13 to 18 years if not previously vaccinated, and older teens who are entering college and will be living in a dormitory setting, and those entering the military. It is also recommended for children between the ages of 2 and 10 with certain high risk medical problems. When medical problems continue, these kids also need a follow-up booster dose a few years later, depending on the age at which the first dose was given.
Why the Vaccine Is Recommended
Bacterial meningitis, an inflammation of the membrane that protects the brain and spinal cord, is a rare but highly contagious disease that can spread rapidly among kids who are in close quarters. It can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.
Possible Risks
Some of the most common side effects are swelling, redness, and pain at the site of the injection, along with headache, fever, or fatigue. Severe problems, such as allergic reactions, are rare.
When to Delay or Avoid Immunization
- if your child tends has had allergic reactions to the DTaP vaccine or to latex
- if your child has a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a disease of the nervous system which causes progressive weakness
- if your child is currently sick, although simple colds or other minor illnesses should not prevent immunization
Caring for Your Child After Immunization
Your child may experience fever, soreness, and some swelling and redness in the area where the shot was given. Pain and fever may be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Check with your doctor to see if you can give either medication, and to find out the appropriate dose.
A warm, damp cloth or a heating pad also may help reduce soreness. Moving or using the limb that has received the injection often reduces the soreness.
When to Call the Doctor
- if you aren't sure if the vaccine should be postponed or avoided
- if there are problems after the immunization
Hepatitis A
The hepatitis A virus (HAV) causes fever, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice, and can lead to community-wide epidemics. Childcare centers are a common site of outbreaks.
The vaccine is recommended for children 12 to 23 months old, followed by a second dose 6 months later. Although in the past the vaccine was recommended for older kids and adults who were at high risk for the disease (such as those who lived in or traveled to locations with high rates of HAV), the vaccine is now recommended for anyone who desires immunity to the disease.
Why the Vaccine Is Recommended
Vaccination against HAV can help stop epidemics from developing in the community, in addition to protecting the individual child. Some infected children do not have any symptoms, and can spread the virus to others. The more young children who are vaccinated against HAV, the more limited the spread of disease will be in a community.
Possible Risks
Side effects are usually mild fever, and tenderness, swelling, and redness at the site of the injection. Allergic reactions to the vaccine are rare.
When to Delay or Avoid Immunization
- if your child is currently sick, although simple colds or other minor illnesses should not prevent immunization
- if your child had an allergic reaction to the first dose of hepatitis A vaccine
Caring for Your Child After Immunization
Your child may experience fever, soreness, and some swelling and redness in the area where the shot was given. Pain and fever may be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Check with your doctor to see if you can give either medication, and to find out.
When to Call the Doctor
- if you aren't sure if the vaccine should be postponed or avoided
- if there are problems after the immunization
Rotavirus
Rotavirus is a common virus that causes diarrhea, especially in infants and young children. Childcare centers are a common site of outbreaks.
The vaccine, which is a liquid given by mouth, is recommended at ages 2 and 4 months, as well as a dose at 6 months depending on the brand vaccine used.
Why the Vaccine Is Recommended
Rotavirus can cause dehydration secondary to large amounts of diarrhea, and can result in children requiring hospitalization. Vaccination against rotavirus can help stop spread in the community, in addition to protecting the individual child.
Possible Risks
Side effects can include diarrhea and vomiting, in addition to fever.
When to Delay or Avoid Immunization
- if your child is currently sick, although simple colds should not prevent immunization
- if your child had an allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine
- let the doctor know if your child has an allergy to latex, since one of vaccines available has a latex applicator
- if your child has an abnormality of the digestive system or a gastrointestinal disease, talk to your doctor about immunization
- if your child has a history of intussusception, a type of serious bowel blockage, talk to your doctor about immunization
- if your child has recently received gamma globulin or a blood transfusion
- if your child has immune system problems from a disease such as cancer; is taking steroids or other immunosuppressive drugs; or is undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy
Caring for Your Child After Immunization
Depending on the age of your child, fever may be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Check with your doctor to see if you can give either medication, and to find out the appropriate dose. If vomiting or diarrhea occur, make sure to give your child small, frequent amounts of fluid and watch for signs of dehydration, such as less urine than usual.
When to Call the Doctor
- if you aren't sure if the vaccine should be postponed or avoided
- if there are problems after the immunization
HPV
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that causes genital warts and changes in the cervix that can result in cervical cancer.
The vaccine is given as a series of three shots over a 6-month period and is recommended for girls 11 or 12 years old, as well as for older girls who are unvaccinated. The vaccine can also be given to boys ages 9 through 18 years, to prevent the development of genital warts.
Why the Vaccine Is Recommended
Because HPV can cause serious problems such as genital warts and cervical cancer, a vaccine is an important step in preventing infection and protecting against the spread of HPV. It works best when given before a girl becomes sexually active.
Possible Risks
Side effects are usually mild fever and tenderness, swelling, and redness at the site of the injection. Dizziness, fainting, nausea, and vomiting may also occur after the shot. Allergic reactions to the vaccine occur rarely.
When to Delay or Avoid Immunization
- if your daughter is currently sick, although simple colds or other minor illnesses should not prevent immunization
- if your daughter had an allergic reaction to the first dose of HPV vaccine
- if your daughter has had a severe allergic reaction to yeast
- if your daughter is pregnant
- if your daughter has a bleeding disorder (discuss with your hematologist)
Caring for Your Child After Immunization
Your child may experience fever, soreness, and some swelling and redness in the area where the shot was given. Pain and fever may be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Check with your doctor to see if you can give either medication, and find out the appropriate dose..
When to Call the Doctor
- if you aren't sure if the vaccine should be postponed or avoided
- if there are problems after the immunization
Immunization Schedule
This immunization schedule is a handy reference to help you keep track of which vaccines your child needs to receive and when.
Types of Vaccines
Some types of vaccines are:
- Attenuated (weakened) live viruses are used in some vaccines such as in the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
- Killed (inactivated) viruses or bacteria are used in some vaccines, such as in IPV.
- Toxoid vaccines contain an inactivated toxin produced by the bacterium. For example, the diphtheria and tetanus vaccines are toxoid vaccines.
- Conjugate vaccines (such as Hib) contain parts of bacteria combined with proteins.
Immunizations for Travel
Specific information about which immunizations are required by travelers to each country worldwide is available directly from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Ask your doctor for more information.
Depending on the type and length of travel, some vaccines may be recommended. Most immunizations should be given at least 1 month before travel. Take your child's immunization records with you when you travel internationally.
Helping Kids Through Vaccine Injections
Sometimes it's hard to tell who dreads immunizations more — parents or kids. Here are some tips to help make the procedure easier for everyone:
- Tell older kids what's going to happen and that the shot helps to keep them healthy.
- Tell younger kids that it's OK to cry, but also encourage them to be brave.
- Try to be calm yourself. Your child can pick up on your concerns.
- Distraction at the moment of the injection is helpful. Try having kids count, sing a song with you, or look away (perhaps at a picture on the wall). You may want to have a joke or funny comment ready.
- Offer praise after the injection is over.
- Plan something fun for after the appointment. A trip to the park or playground can make the overall immunization experience less unpleasant.
As uneasy as getting vaccinated may make both you and your child, remember that immunizations are one of the best means of protection against contagious diseases.
Reviewed by: Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
Date reviewed: January 2010
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