Questions Answered About Immunizations
- Why are immunizations important?
- Who should be immunized?
- When are immunizations given?
- Links to immunization schedules, information, and flyers
Why are immunizations important?
Immunization is one of the most significant public health achievements of the 20th century. Vaccines have eradicated smallpox, eliminated wild poliovirus in the U.S. and significantly reduced the number of cases of measles, diphtheria, rubella, pertussis and other diseases. But despite these efforts, today tens of thousands of people in the U.S. still die from these and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
Vaccines offer safe and effective protection from infectious diseases. By staying up-to-date on the recommended vaccines, individuals can protect themselves, their families and friends and their communities from serious, life-threatening infections.
Who should be immunized?
Getting immunized is a lifelong, life-protecting community effort regardless of age, sex, race, ethnic background or country of origin. Recommended vaccinations begin soon after birth and continue throughout life. Being aware of the vaccines that are recommended for infants, children, adolescents, adults of all ages and seniors, and making sure that we receive these immunizations, are critical to protecting ourselves and our communities from disease.
When are immunizations given?
Because children are particularly vulnerable to infection, most vaccines are given during the first five to six years of life. Other immunizations are recommended during adolescent or adult years and, for certain vaccines, booster immunization are recommended throughout life. Vaccines against certain diseases that may be encountered when traveling outside of the U.S. are recommended for travelers to specific regions of the world.
Links to a variety of immunization information and resources:
- The Parents' Guide to Childhood Immunizations (2008) is a 35-page booklet introducing parents to childhood diseases and the vaccines that can protect children from them.
- Flyers:
Healthcare Worker
Adolescent and Pre-teen
Adult
Older Adult
Shingles
Adult Vaccine Quiz
Immunization Follow-Up
Common Questions Parents Ask About Infant Immunizations
Parents Who Question Vaccines
Pregnancy
Travelers
Vaccine Safety for Parents
VAERS - Immunization Schedules (Adult, Childhood, Childhood, Adolescent)
- INTERACTIVE Catch-up Immunization Scheduler (for children six years of age and younger)
This tool once downloaded can be used to determine the vaccines your child needs and is especially useful for quickly seeing missed or skipped vaccines according to the Immunization scheduler