Immunizations

Vaccine and Immunization Schedules

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) works with experts and then recommends immunization schedules for the year. The schedules outline the immunizations and booster shots needed.

The schedules are designed to work best with a child's immune system at certain ages and at certain times. They're set up so that your child gets the best protection possible at the earliest age possible from the fewest shots possible.

The CDC recommends schedules for healthy children, teens, and adults. The CDC also has vaccine recommendations for people who have health problems, such as asthma or diabetes, and in other circumstances, like pregnancy.

The schedules are based on the best research available. Experts change them as needed.

A different schedule may not provide protection for your child. If shots are spread out or skipped, a child may get the disease during the delay.

Go to www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/vaccines-list.html for the most current information.

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Immunization Records

It is important to keep accurate records of immunizations, including any reactions to the vaccines. When you enroll your child in day care or school, you may need to show proof of immunizations. And your child may need the record later in life for college, employment, or travel.

• Know when each immunization should be scheduled.

  Put reminder notes on your calendar or on your phone. You also may want to ask your doctor to send you notices when immunizations are due.

• Be sure your records are accurate.

  Have your doctor go over your child's immunization record with you during each office visit.

• Keep your record in a safe place, and don't throw it away.

  It is an important part of your child's lifelong medical records.

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Travel Immunizations

Check with the nearest travel health clinic, your regional health department, your doctor, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/travel to see what kind of vaccines you should get.

You may need vaccines to protect against:

• Infections, such as shots for polio, diphtheria, measles, whooping cough (pertussis), mumps, or rubella.
• Tetanus.
• Hepatitis A.
• Hepatitis B.
• Yellow fever.
• The flu.
• Complications of pneumonia (pneumococcal vaccine).
• Typhoid fever.
• Rabies.
• Cholera.

You may need other immunizations. It depends on the area you are visiting, how long you will be there, and the purpose of your journey. For example, if you will be in rural Asia for a month or longer, you may need a vaccine for Japanese encephalitis. Or you may need to take medicine for malaria.

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When to Call a Doctor

Call 911 or other emergency services if you or your child has:

• An allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, hives, hoarseness, paleness, weakness, a fast heart rate, or dizziness.
• Changes in behavior, such as passing out (losing consciousness), acting confused, being very sleepy or hard to wake up, or not responding to being touched or talked to.
• A seizure.
• Severe belly pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Call your doctor if:

• Redness and swelling at the site of the shot (injection) last longer than 48 hours.
• Your child is 3 months of age or younger and has a fever of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher.
• A fever lasts longer than a few days after a shot is given.
• Any unusual reaction occurs.
• Your child has mild belly pain or nausea.

Talk with your doctor about whether you need special immunizations because you:

• Are in close contact with people who have an infectious disease.
• Have planned international travel, especially to developing countries.
• Live with or visit a baby or someone who is pregnant.
• Live with someone who has an impaired immune system.

Self-Care

Many immunizations are given as shots (injections). They may cause brief pain as the needle goes into the skin or muscle. Some vaccines cause more pain than others.

Basic home care can help relieve some of the common, temporary, mild reactions to immunizations. These reactions include fever, swelling or redness, fretfulness, and poor appetite.

A mild skin rash may appear 7 to 14 days after someone gets a shot for chickenpox or measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). These types of rashes can last several days. They go away without treatment.

• Try using acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil) to help lower a fever.

  Give acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for fever if the doctor says it is okay. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a serious illness.

• Apply a cold pack to the injection site to reduce swelling or redness.

  Put the cold pack on the area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the cold pack and the skin.

• Plan quiet activities at home for the evening after getting a shot, in case there are side effects.

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