IMMUNIZATIONS

If your child doesn't get shots he or she could get very sick. Your child could get a disease that causes:
Breathing problems and lung damage
Brain damage
Heart problems
Blindness
Death

Shots can prevent these 10 serious diseases:
Hepatitis B
Diphtheria
Tetanus
Pertussis
Polio
Hib disease
Measles
Mumps
Rubella
Chickenpox

After your child receives his or her shots, it is normal for your child to:
Be red or sore where the shot was given
Have a slight fever
Be cranky

Your child will feel better in a day or two.

Call the health department or other health provider if your child:
Has a high fever
Is very sleepy and hard to wake up
Is very pale or limp
Cries for 3 or more hours
Jerks or cannot control how he or she moves

Keep a record of your child's shots!
Please talk with your health care provider to make sure your child has all the shots he or she needs. It is up to you to make sure your child gets every shot he or she needs.

You may also see if you can combine shots. Sometimes, 2 or more shots can be combined. This will mean less pain for your child and less hassle for you.

Never skip shots!
It usually is safe for your child to get shots if he or she is a little sick. If you go to your health-care because your child is not feeling well, see if your child needs any shots.

Make up for missed shots.
If your child misses a shot, talk to your health-care provider the next time you go. Missed shots can be made up!

The July to December Schedule (adobe Acrobat file) for childhood immunization can be found by clicking here.

Updated on 08/12/2004