The need for childhood immunizations

When you were pregnant, you did everything you could to keep your baby was healthy. You probably tried to eat well, exercise, get enough sleep and stay away from alcohol and cigarettes.  Good job!

Now your baby has arrived. One of the best things you can do as a new mom is to protect your baby from getting sick. Do this by making sure your baby has all of his or her shots on time. This not only protects your child, it gives you peace of mind.

Vaccines work

Before we had vaccines, diseases like measles, polio and meningitis were a real threat to babies. With vaccines, you don't have to worry about these diseases. If we stopped giving shots, these diseases could return.

The benefits are real

Risks for vaccines are small compared to what could happen if your child gets sick from one of these diseases. That’s important to remember if you talk with other parents who might have different opinions about vaccines. Loud voices on social media often give scary — and wrong — information. Always ask your doctor what's best for you and your baby.

Vaccines for caregivers

Shots are also key for parents, grandparents and other caretakers. Make sure you, and all of the people around your baby, are up to date on shots. It's important for all caregivers to have the pertussis (whooping cough) shot. That disease be fatal for infants.

Stick to the schedule

It's important for your child to get vaccines on the schedule your baby’s doctor gives you. This schedule is safe and makes sure your baby is protected faster.

You're helping protect other children

By having your baby get all of her shots, you also are making the world around her safer. Vaccination prevents your child from spreading infections to his or her playmates.