Young Children (2 to 10 years old)

Protect Your Child
While vaccine-preventable childhood diseases are at near record or record low levels in the United States, that does not mean these diseases have disappeared. Many of the viruses and bacteria are still circulating in this country or are only a plane ride away. That’s why it’s important that children, especially infants and young children, receive recommended immunizations on time.

Before, During, and After Vaccination

Preparing for vaccination

• What vaccines does my child need?
  • Recommended Immunizations for Children from Birth through 6 Years Old [314KB, 2 pages]
  • Make your own schedule (birth through 6 years old)
  • Catch-up schedule for children 6 years and younger (has your child missed or skipped a shot?)
  • Screening questionnaire for child and teen immunization
    Immunization Action Coalition.
  • Immunization Requirements for Child Care and School
• Vaccination records: finding, interpreting, and recording
• Well Child Visit Tracker [331KB, 2 pages]
  Easy-to-read schedule of recommended immunizations for children from birth to 6 years, with descriptions of vaccine-preventable diseases on the back side.
• Vaccine Information Statement (VIS)
  Explains why get vaccinated, who and when, who should not get the vaccine, what to do if there is a moderate or severe reaction, etc.
• Who should NOT get vaccinated?
• Get the Picture: Childhood Immunizations
  This video answers tough questions that real moms had about childhood immunizations. (6:27 mins; released 4/13/2009)

During Vaccination

• Tips for a Less Stressful Shot Visit
  Learn ways you can support your child before, during and after shots.
• How to Hold Your Child during Vaccinations
  See how a comforting hold can support your child and make the vaccination process less stressful on you and your child.

After Vaccination

• After the shots: what to do if your child has discomfort [79KB, 2 pages]
  Immunization Action Coalition.
• Vaccine Information Statement (VIS)
  Explains what to do if there is a moderate or severe reaction, etc.
• Reporting a suspected vaccine adverse reaction

Parents: What You Need to Know

• Facts for Parents
  Learn about 16 childhood diseases that can be prevented with vaccines.
• How Vaccines Prevent Diseases
  Includes illustrations to help you better understand how vaccines protect children from diseases.
• 10 Things You Need to Know about Immunizations
• Understanding How Vaccines Work [843KB, 2 pages]
  Explains how the immune system responds to vaccines to build immunity.
• If You Choose Not to Vaccinate Your Child, Understand the Risks and Responsibilities [547KB, 2 pages]
  Outlines possible risks for parents who choose to delay or decline a vaccine; offers steps for parents to take to protect their child, family and others.
• How can I get help paying for vaccines?
  Vaccines for Children Program
• Parents’ Guide to Childhood Immunizations
  A 64-page booklet introducing parents to the 14 childhood diseases and the vaccines that can protect children from them.
• Webcast: Vaccines: "Wading through the Confusion"
  A frank discussion about parents’ questions and fears about vaccines, and features a panel of medical, scientific, public health, and communications professionals. The panel also includes parents whose lives have been touched by vaccine-preventable disease or by autism, as well as a parent seeking reliable information to help keep her children safe and healthy... (60 mins)
  California Immunization Coalition
  

Hot Topics

• Vaccination Records for Kids
• Pertussis (whooping cough) – What you need to know
• How well does the seasonal flu vaccine work?

For Kids

• Kid-friendly websites
• Infectious disease trading cards
• All You Have to Do Is Wash Your Hands
  CDC Kidtastics podcast features kids telling kids how and when to wash their hands properly (3:10 mins).
• Why do I need to wash my hands?