The importance of being immunizedWith schools about to reconvene, it’s important that children be properly immunized. Each state requires that children be vaccinated against the major childhood diseases. Log on to www.immunizationinfo.org for specific listings. If you suspect your patients or their children have not been properly vaccinated and are hesitant because of fear of side effects or because they are unaware of the importance of early immunization, two fact sheets in English and Spanish from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta (see Spanish language version, in this issue) might help clear the way. |
10 Facts About Immunization
1. Why should my child be immunized?
Children need immunizations (shots) to protect them from dangerous childhood diseases. These diseases can have serious complications and even kill children.
2. What diseases do childhood vaccines prevent?
Measles, mumps, polio, rubella (German measles), pertussis (whooping cough), diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), Haemophilus influenzae type b (hib disease — a major cause of bacterial meningitis), hepatitis B, varicella (chickenpox), and pneumococcal disease (causes bacterial meningitis and blood infections).
3. How many shots does my child need?
These vaccinations are recommended by age 2 and can be given over five visits to a doctor or clinic:
- 4 doses of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine
- 4 doses of hib vaccine
- 3 doses of polio vaccine
- 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine
- 3 doses of pneumococcal vaccine
- 1 dose of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine
- 1 dose of varicella vaccine
4. Do these vaccines have any side effects?
Side effects can occur with any medicine, including vaccines. Depending on the vaccine, these can include slight fever, rash, or soreness at the site of injection. Slight discomfort is normal and should not be a cause for alarm. Your health care provider can give you additional information.
5. Can they cause serious reactions?
Yes, but serious reactions to vaccines are extremely rare. The risks of serious disease from not vaccinating are far greater than the risks of serious reaction to a vaccination.
6. What do I do if my child has a serious reaction?
If you think your child is experiencing a persistent or severe reaction, call your doctor or take the child to a doctor immediately. Write down what happened, and the date and time it happened. Ask your doctor, nurse, or health department to file a Vaccine Adverse Event Report form or call (800) 338-2382 to file this form yourself.
7. Why can’t I wait until my child starts school to have him or her immunized?
Children under age 5 are especially susceptible to disease because their immune systems have not built up the necessary defenses to fight infection. By immunizing on time (by age 2), you can protect your child from disease and also protect others at school or day care.
8. Why is a vaccination health record important?
A vaccination health record helps you and your health care provider keep your child’s vaccinations on schedule. If you move or change providers, having an accurate record might prevent your child from repeating vaccinations he or she has had already. A shot record should be started when your child receives his/her first vaccination and updated with each vaccination visit.
9. Where can I get free vaccines?
A federal program called Vaccines for Children provides free vaccines to eligible children, including those without health insurance coverage, all those who are enrolled in Medicaid, American Indians, and native Alaskans.
10. Where can I get more information?
You can call the National Immunization Information Hotline at (800) 232-2522 (English) or (800) 232-0233 (Spanish).
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta. Web: www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/fs/gen/shouldknow.htm.
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