Vaccines protect babies and children from potentially life-threatening diseases.
They can also prevent reinfection.
Vaccines work with the bodys naturalimmune systemto make a protective response to harmful antigens (viruses orbacteria).
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There are several vaccine types.
The list ofrecommended vaccinesthat most children between birth and 18 years old need is compiled in the chart below.
All of these vaccines are important to a child’s health.
Some caregivers worry that vaccines for children haven’t been tested enough.
Others are concerned about potential side effects or vaccine reactions.However, vaccines are generally safe and effective.
Your childs best protection against many common but preventable diseases is to follow the recommended immunization schedule.
Vaccine refusal risks a child developing a vaccine-preventable illness.
Schools and daycare facilities may also have rules and regulations regarding unvaccinated children.
All available vaccines areupdated dosesthat protect against newer variants of the virus.
Children who follow the recommended immunization schedule are protected against 17 vaccine-preventable diseases by the time they turn 18.
Sometimes, life happens, and your childmisses a vaccine.
Contact your child’s healthcare provider if you have questions about your child’s vaccination schedule.
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World Health Organization.Vaccines and immunization.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vaccines by age.
World Health Organization.How do vaccines work?
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Vaccine types.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Administer the vaccine(s).
National Conference of State Legislatures.State non-medical exemptions from school immunization requirements.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Your child needs vaccines as they grow!
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Frequently asked questions about autism spectrum disorder.
Hussain A, Ali S, Ahmed M, Hussain S.The anti-vaccination movement: a regression in modern medicine.Cureus.
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American Academy of Pediatrics.An important immunization message from the AAP.
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Published 2023 Feb 10. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7206a1
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