Immunizations
Many diseases that may cripple and kill children can be prevented by getting the proper immunizations or shots. Even so, many children and adults are still getting very sick or dying because they haven't been immunized.
The shot may hurt a little, but a little sting is much better than having a sick child.
Immunizing your child is one of the most loving things you can do for them. Immunization prevents dangerous diseases such as: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, H. influenzae type b., Hepatitis B & A. and Varicella (chicken pox).
DTaP - vaccine protects against diphtheria, tetanus and
pertussis. Possible serious effects of the disease:
Diphtheria - choking, paralysis, and possibly death
Tetanus - stiff muscles, seizures, breathing and heart problems
Pertussis (whooping cough) - pneumonia, brain damage or death.
MMR - vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and
rubella. Possible side effects of the disease:
Measles - ear infections, pneumonia, brain damage or death.
Mumps - hearing loss, brain damage, and sterility in males.
Rubella (German measles) - if a pregnant woman gets rubella, she may lose
the baby or have a baby with serious birth defects.
Polio - vaccine protects against H. influenzae type b. Possible serious effects of the disease include severe ear, nose and throat infections, pneumonia, mental retardation and death.
Hepatitis B - vaccine protects against hepatitis B. Possible serious effects of the disease include liver cancer, liver failure, or chronic liver disease.
Varicella - vaccine protects against chicken pox. Possible serious effects of the disease include severe infections.
Recommended Childhood Immunization
Schedule Approved by ACIP, AAP and AAFP
Hepatitis B: Birth - 2 months
1-4 months
6-18 months
Diphtheria, Tetanus, acellular Pertussis: 2
months
4 months
6 months
15-18 months
4-6 years
H. Influenzae Type b.: 2 months
4 months
6 months
12 - 15 months
Polio: 2 months
4 months
6 -18 months
4-6 years of age
Measles, Mumps, Rubella: 12 - 15 months
4-6 years
Varicella: 12 - 18 months
Pneumococcal Conjugate: 2 months
4 months
6 months
12 - 15 months
Hepatitis A: 24 months in selected areas
* Your doctor's immunization schedule may vary from this one based on individual facts and circumstance.