What you need to know
- All children need specific vaccines at certain ages so they can have protection when they need it most.
- Children who don’t follow the vaccine schedule are at risk of catching diseases like measles and whooping cough, which are especially dangerous for babies and kids.
- If your children aren’t up to date on vaccines, it’s not too late to get back on track.
As vaccine conversations are politicized and childhood vaccination rates decline, outbreaks of preventable diseases like measles and tuberculosis are popping up across the country, which puts everyone at risk. That’s why following the recommended vaccine schedule is so important.
When kids are vaccinated at times that are set by doctors, they get protection from dangerous diseases when they need it most.
Read on to learn why doctors recommend that all kids follow the same vaccine schedule and what parents should know about keeping kids up to date.
Why do doctors recommend that kids follow the vaccine schedule?
Vaccines teach children’s immune systems how to fight off dangerous diseases before they’re exposed to germs. The recommended vaccine schedule ensures that children receive vaccines when their immune systems are mature enough to respond adequately and when they’re most at risk of getting very sick.
Children who receive vaccines at recommended times have protection against 16 diseases, including some that can cause paralysis, brain damage, and even death.
Those who don’t follow the vaccine schedule are at risk of catching diseases like measles and whooping cough, which are especially dangerous for babies and kids. Unvaccinated kids can also put vulnerable family members at risk, like newborns who are too young to get vaccinated and older adults.
Are recommended vaccines safe?
Yes. Vaccines are rigorously tested before they’re approved for any age group, and severe side effects are extremely rare. Plus, the risk of health complications from vaccine-preventable diseases is much higher than the risk of complications from vaccines themselves.
Most kids will only experience mild pain and a bit of swelling at the injection site.
Where can children get vaccinated now, and how much do vaccines cost?
Children can get routine vaccines, as well as this season’s flu and COVID-19 vaccines, at your pediatrician’s office. Older kids can get some vaccines at pharmacies.
Learn when children should receive recommended vaccines and how many doses they need from the CDC. Your child’s pediatrician can provide more information about getting up to date on vaccines.
Routine vaccines are covered by most insurance plans. Children who are uninsured, Medicaid-eligible, American Indian, or Alaska Natives can get vaccinated for free through the CDC’s Vaccines for Children Program.
For more information, talk to your health care provider.
This article is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award to the CDC Foundation totaling $69,392,486 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government. In addition, the CDC Foundation does not guarantee and is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of information or content contained in this article. Moreover, the CDC Foundation expressly disclaims all liability for damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on any information contained within this article. This article are not intended as, and should not be interpreted by you as, constituting or implying the CDC Foundation’s endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation of the information, products, or services found therein.