1.Why should my children be immunized?

Children need immunizations (shots) to protect them from dangerous childhood diseases. These diseases have serious complications and can even kill children.

2. What diseases do vaccines prevent?
(click on the image to see a lager format)

Measles	Rubella
Polio	Varicella  (chicken pox)
Diphtheria	Pertussis
Menengitis /Buccal Cellulitis (HIb)	Tetanus
Mumps

     And also Hepatitis B.

(Pictures provided by IAC "Immunization Action Coalition")

3. How many shots does my child need?

The following vaccinations are recommended by age two and can be given in five visits to a doctor or clinic:

- 1 vaccination against measles/mumps/rubella (MMR)
- 4 vaccinations against Hib (a major cause of spinal meningitis)
- 3 vaccinations against polio
- 4 vaccinations against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and DTaP
- 3 vaccinations against Hepatitis B
- 1 vaccination against varicella

4. Are vaccines safe?

Serious reactions to vaccines are extremely rare, but do occur. However, the risks of serious disease from not vaccinating are far greater than the risks of serious reaction to the vaccination.

5. Do the vaccines have any side effect?

Yes, side effects can occur with vaccination, depending on the vaccine: slight fever, rash or soreness at the site of injection. Slight discomfort is normal and should not be a cause for alarm. Your health care provider can assist you with additional information.

6. What do I do if my child has a serious reaction?

If you think your child is experiencing a persistent or severe reaction, call your doctor or take the child to a doctor right away. Write down what happened and the date at it happened. Ask your doctor, nurse or health department to file a Vaccine Adverse Event Report form or call 1-800-338-2382.

7. Why can't I wait until school to have my child immunized?

Immunizations must begin at birth and most vaccinations should be completed by age 2. By immunizing on time (by age 2), you can protect your child from being infected and prevent the infection of others at schools or at daycare centers. Children under 5 are specially susceptible to disease because their immune systems have not built up the necessary defenses to fight the infection.

8. Why is a vaccination health record important?

A vaccination health record helps you and your health care provider keep your child on schedule. A record should be started at birth when your baby receives his/her first vaccination and updated each time your child receives the next scheduled vaccination. This information will help you if you move to a new area or change health care providers, or when your child is enrolled in daycare or starts school. Remember to bring this record with you every time your child has a health care visit.

9. Where can I get more information?

You can call the National Immunization Information Hotline for further information at:

1-800-232-2522 (English) or at

1-800-232-0233 (Spanish).

Internet address http://www.cdc.gov/nip

 

The Mission of the Kern County Immunization Coalition is to ensure all children and adolescents are appropriately immunized to reduce vaccine-preventable diseases, as well as to promote awareness of the importance of immunizations in adults.  LOVE YOUR BABY IMMUNIZE!