FAQs
Have questions about immunizations? Visit the categories below to see if we have the answers! If you don't find what you are looking for, click on Contact Us at the top of the page and we'll try to get your questions answered.
Parents
Back to all categoriesHow do I keep track of my baby's shots?
Your healthcare provider should give you a personal record card for your child's vaccinations. If you don't receive one, ask! Bring the card to all medical appointments. Whenever your child receives a vaccine, make sure the card gets updated. Your child will benefit by retaining an accurate vaccination record throughout his or her life.
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How do I know when to take my baby in for shots?
Your healthcare provider should give you a reminder when the next doses are due. If you are not sure, call your clinic or health- care provider's office to find out when you should bring your child back. Doses cannot be given too close together or immunity doesn't have time to build up. On the other hand, you don't want to delay your child's shots and get behind schedule because during this time, your child remains unprotected against these diseases.
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How many times do I need to bring my baby in for vaccinations?
At least five visits are needed before age two, but the visits can be timed to coincide with well-child check-ups. Your baby should get the first vaccine (hepatitis B) shortly after birth, while still in the hospital. Multiple visits during the first two years are necessary because there are 14 diseases your baby can be protected against, and most require several doses of vaccine for the best protection.
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I don't know anybody who has had measles or rubella. Why does my baby need these shots?
You might not think that measles and rubella are a threat today because you don't see or hear much about them, but they are still around. These diseases are common in other parts of the world and are just a plane ride away. If we stop vaccinating against these diseases, many more people will become infected. Vaccinating your child will keep him or her safe.
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Isn't all this talk about diseases just a way to scare parents so they'll bring their babies in for shots?
No. These diseases can injure and kill children in the United States. For example, pertussis is a dangerous disease for infants. During 1997-2000, nearly 30,000 pertussis cases were reported; 62 resulted in death. In 2003 alone, 11,647 cases and 18 deaths from pertussis were reported. Influenza also takes a toll on children. During the 2003-04 influenza season, 40 states reported 152 influenza-related deaths among children younger than 18 years of age.
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Isn't there some way besides vaccination to protect my baby against these diseases?
No. Breastfeeding offers temporary immunity against some minor infections like colds, but it is not an effective means of protecting a child from the specific diseases preventable by vaccines. Likewise, vitamins don't protect against the specific bacteria and viruses that cause these serious diseases. Of course, infection usually results in immunity, and some parents think that getting the "natural" disease is preferable to "artificial" vaccination. Some even arrange chickenpox "parties" to ensure their child is infected. However, the price paid for natural disease can include paralysis, retardation, liver cancer, deafness, blindness, or even death. Vaccination is definitely a better choice!
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What if my child isn't a baby anymore? Is it too late to get him or her vaccinated?
No. Although it's best to have your child begin vaccinations as a newborn, it's never too late to start. If your child has not received any, or all, of his or her vaccinations, now is the best time to start.
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