A vaccine, or immunization, is a medicine given to a person so that he produces antibodies against a certain infection. These antibodies then serve to help prevent the infection.
In the US, vaccines have resulted in record-low levels of certain childhood diseases. Vaccines do not only protect the person they are given to, but also the population at large, since they work to reduce the general prevalence of once-common infections.
The following infections can now be prevented by vaccination:
The following vaccines are recommended in children who are at average risk for these infections:
The table below summarizes when children of average risk should receive certain vaccinations. You may print the table and use the “Date received” column to track when your child receives each vaccine.
Age | Recommended vaccines | Date received |
---|---|---|
Birth |
| |
1-2 months |
| |
2 months |
| |
4 months |
| |
6 months |
| |
Yearly after 6 months |
| |
6-18 months |
| |
12-15 months |
| |
12-23 months |
| |
15-18 months |
| |
4-6 years |
| |
11-12 years |
|
Certain “high-risk” children may need to receive additional vaccinations and/or doses. Also, if your child missed one or more vaccines, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended times for “catch-up” immunizations. Talk to the doctor to find out if this applies to your child.
Childhood vaccines are generally very safe. Some children may experience mild adverse events at the time of the vaccine, including fever, soreness at the vaccine site, or a lump under the skin where the shot was given.
The small risk of serious adverse events is far outweighed by the disease-preventing benefits of vaccines in most cases. But, there are some situations in which children should not receive certain vaccines. Examples of these situations include children who
Talk with the doctor to find out if it is safe to have your child vaccinated.
RESOURCES:
Immunization Initiatives
American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.cispimmunize.org/
Vaccines and Immunizations
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html/
Public Health Agency of Canada
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/
References:
2008 child and adolescent immunization schedules. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/nip/recs/child-schedule.htm. Updated January 2008. Accessed August 27, 2008.
2010 recommended immunization schedule for persons aged 0 through 6 years. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/downloads/child/2010/10_0-6yrs-schedule-pr.pdf. Accessed March 29, 2010.
2010 recommended immunization schedule for persons aged 7 through 18 years. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/downloads/child/2010/10_7-18yrs-schedule-pr.pdf. Accessed March 29, 2010.
Childhood vaccines: what they are and why your child needs them. American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/028.xml. Updated November 2006. Accessed August 27, 2008.
Human papillomavirus vaccine. EBSCO Health Library website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=15topicID=81. Updated January 2010. Accessed March 29, 2010.
Vaccine-preventable childhood diseases. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/nip/diseases/child-vpd.htm. Updated January 2007. Accessed August 27, 2008.
Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccination. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/varicella/default.htm. Updated November 2010. Accessed November 12, 2010.
Last reviewed June 2010 by Brian P. Randall, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.