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CHILD
Researchers
have found that VACCINATIONS:
children in day DON’T WAIT TO
care are more
VACCINATE
likely to get
sick because of Over four million babies are born in the United
States every year, and the U.S. Centers for Disease
all the germs
Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends
and contagious vaccination against 16 vaccine preventable diseases.
not all parents ensure their children
diseases carried Unfortunately,
are properly immunized.
by other
Keeping Kids Healthy
children.
Before vaccinations became widely available,
diseases like measles, mumps and whooping cough
were common in childhood, leaving thousands of
children blind, deaf, brain-damaged or even dead.
Today, vaccines have almost completely wiped out
these major diseases.
What Is a Vaccination?
A vaccination (or an immunization) contains an
imitation virus, typically a live but weakened virus, or
an inactive bacteria virus, that is administered to
protect against serious diseases. This virus causes the
body to produce antibodies, special agents of the
immune system that attack harmful elements inside
the body. While fighting the imitation virus, the
antibodies learn to recognize the real virus so they
can attack it when the body is exposed to it.
Researchers have found that live virus vaccinations
seem to provide longer immunity than inactive ones.
Vaccinations are usually administered in one of two
ways: orally or by injection. Doctors have found that
vaccines administered orally tend to have a higher
chance of side effects and allergic reactions than
injected vaccines.
Possible Side Effects
Overall, vaccines are safe to administer and typically only
cause minor side effects. According to the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA), the risk of effects related to actually
contracting a disease is much more dangerous than the risk
of having a serious reaction to a vaccination. However,
there have been a few cases of major reactions in small
children, such as:
•
Extremely high fever—A rectal temperature reading of
105 degrees or more
•
Inconsolable crying—More than three hours of crying
without stopping, or an abnormal cry
•
Convulsions—Full-body shaking, twitching or jerking
in response to a high fever
•
Severe allergic reactions—Swelling in the mouth and
throat, wheezing, breathing difficulties, dizziness,
paleness or limpness.
Should your child suffer from any of the above symptoms
after receiving his or her vaccinations, call your doctor
immediately.
Vaccination Facts
Although today in the United States epidemics of
infectious diseases are rare, bacteria and viruses that cause
many diseases still exist. These bacteria and viruses may
affect people who are not protected by vaccines.
Vaccinations are necessary because they can prevent
repeated epidemics of infectious diseases.
Do I Need to Vaccinate?
Experts recommend that all children be routinely
vaccinated. Most children in the United States are currently
vaccinated as recommended, helping control infectious
diseases that were common and deadly in the past.
Scientists, doctors and other health care professionals
extensively test vaccines to make sure they are safe and
effective before putting them on the market. In the United
States, the FDA reviews all the test results to decide if it
will approve a vaccine for use.
This brochure is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. For further information, please consult
a medical professional. © 2007-2008, 2011-2012, 2014 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.
CHILD VACCINATIONS: DON’T WAIT TO VACCINATE
When Should I Vaccinate?
Newborns are immune to many diseases because of
antibodies they have acquired from their mothers while in
the womb. These antibodies only last from about a month
to a year after birth, so it is best to vaccinate children when
they are babies. However, you should still have your
children vaccinated, even if you do not do it when they are
babies or when they are very young—it is better for them
to be vaccinated late than not at all.
By vaccinating your children when recommended, you will
have to worry less about them becoming infected or
infecting others, especially once they begin attending
school, which increases their risk.
Health Insurance
Vaccinations are covered by most insurance programs, but
because of their importance they are available even to
those without insurance. If you are not insured and cannot
afford your child’s vaccinations, contact your city, county
or state health department. They can help you find a place
to have your child immunized where it will be inexpensive
or even free.
If you are unsure when you should take your child in for
vaccinations, call your health care provider for information
and vaccination schedules. More information is also
available at: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) National Immunization Hotline, 800-232-2522 or
www.cdc.gov/vaccines.