Immunizations have had an enormous impact on improving the health of children in the United States. Most parents today have never seen first-hand the devastating consequences that vaccine-preventable diseases have on a child, a family, or community. While these diseases are not common in the U.S., they persist around the world. It is important that we continue to protect our children with vaccines because outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases like pertussis, mumps, and measles can and do occur in this country
Vaccination is one of the best ways parents can protect infants, children, and teens from 16 potentially harmful diseases. Vaccine-preventable diseases can be very serious, may require hospitalization, or even be deadly — especially in infants and young children. Click on the boxes below to see which vaccines are recommended for your child’s age.
You can also consult the Easy-to-Read Childhood Immunization Schedule and the Easy-to-Read Teen Immunization Schedule. Learn more about who sets the immunization schedule, how vaccine recommendations are made, and why they are important.
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Maternal Vaccines: Part of a Healthy Pregnancy
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Birth
Learn about the importance of vaccine protection and your baby's first shots. -
1 to 2 Months
Learn about the 1-2 months shots and the importance of staying on schedule. -
4 Months
Learn about the 4 month shots, how to comfort your baby, and risks of delaying vaccines. -
6 Months
Learn about the 6 month shots, side effects, flu vaccine, and child care requirements. -
7 to 11 Months
Learn about the 9 month well visit, how vaccines prevent diseases, and how to track vaccinations. -
12 to 23 Months
Learn about the 12-23 month shots, combination vaccines, and MMR vaccine safety.
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2 to 3 Years
Learn about yearly checkups, the risks of delaying vaccines, and preschool requirements. -
4 to 6 Years
Learn about the 4-6 year shots, the importance of multiple doses, and vaccines for school. -
7 to 10 Years
Learn about catch up vaccines, vaccines needed for travel, and vaccine information for kids. -
11 to 12 Years
Learn about the 11-12 year shots and the benefits and risks of preteen vaccines. -
13 to 18 Years
Learn about the 13-18 year shots, vaccines needed for travel, and vaccines before college. -
Adoption and Vaccines
Learn about vaccines for international adoption, domestic adoption, and care of foster children.
- Page last reviewed: April 15, 2016
- Page last updated: April 15, 2016
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