1. Immunizations can save your child’s life.

   Because of advances in medical science, your child can be protected against more diseases than ever before. Some diseases that once injured or killed thousands of children, have been eliminated completely and others are close to extinction – primarily due to safe and effective vaccines. One example of the great impact that vaccines can have is the elimination of polio in the United States. Polio was once America’s most-feared disease, causing death and paralysis across the country, but today, thanks to vaccination, there are no reports of polio in the United States.

2. Vaccination is very safe and effective.

   Vaccines are only given to children after a long and careful review by scientists, doctors, and healthcare professionals. Vaccines will involve some discomfort and may cause pain, redness, or tenderness at the site of injection but this is minimal compared to the pain, discomfort, and trauma of the diseases these vaccines prevent. Serious side effects following vaccination, such as severe allergic reaction, are very rare. The disease-prevention benefits of getting vaccines are much greater than the possible side effects for almost all children.

3. Immunization protects others you care about.

   Children in the U.S. still get vaccine-preventable diseases. In fact, we have seen resurgences of measles and whooping cough (pertussis) over the past few years. For example, preliminary data for 2012 show that more than 41,000 cases of whooping cough were reported in the United States. During this time, 18 deaths have been reported—the majority of these deaths were in children younger than 3 months of age. Unfortunately, some babies are too young to be completely vaccinated and some people may not be able to receive certain vaccinations due to severe allergies, weakened immune systems from conditions like leukemia, or other reasons. To help keep them safe, it is important that you and your children who are able to get vaccinated are fully immunized. This not only protects your family, but also helps prevent the spread of these diseases to your friends and loved ones.

4. Immunizations can save your family time and money.

   A child with a vaccine-preventable disease can be denied attendance at schools or daycare facilities. Some vaccine-preventable diseases can result in prolonged disabilities and can take a financial toll because of lost time at work, medical bills or long-term disability care. In contrast, getting vaccinated against these diseases is a good investment and usually covered by insurance. The Vaccines for Children program is a federally funded program that provides vaccines at no cost to children from low-income families. To find out more about the VFC program, visit cdc.gov or ask your child’s health care professional.

5. Immunization protects future generations.

   Vaccines have reduced and, in some cases, eliminated many diseases that killed or severely disabled people just a few generations ago. For example, smallpox vaccination eradicated that disease worldwide. Your children don’t have to get smallpox shots any more because the disease no longer exists. By vaccinating children against rubella (German measles), the risk that pregnant women will pass this virus on to their fetus or newborn has been dramatically decreased, and birth defects associated with that virus no longer are seen in the United States. If we continue vaccinating now, and vaccinating completely, parents in the future may be able to trust that some diseases of today will no longer be around to harm their children in the future. You can get even more information about the importance of infant immunization from the CDC:
    
   Vaccines & Immunizations
   Reasons to Vaccinate

1. Immunizations can save your child’s life.

   Because of advances in medical science, your child can be protected against more diseases than ever before. Some diseases that once injured or killed thousands of children, have been eliminated completely and others are close to extinction – primarily due to safe and effective vaccines. One example of the great impact that vaccines can have is the elimination of polio in the United States. Polio was once America’s most-feared disease, causing death and paralysis across the country, but today, thanks to vaccination, there are no reports of polio in the United States.

2. Vaccination is very safe and effective.

   Vaccines are only given to children after a long and careful review by scientists, doctors, and healthcare professionals. Vaccines will involve some discomfort and may cause pain, redness, or tenderness at the site of injection but this is minimal compared to the pain, discomfort, and trauma of the diseases these vaccines prevent. Serious side effects following vaccination, such as severe allergic reaction, are very rare. The disease-prevention benefits of getting vaccines are much greater than the possible side effects for almost all children.

3. Immunization protects others you care about.

   Children in the U.S. still get vaccine-preventable diseases. In fact, we have seen resurgences of measles and whooping cough (pertussis) over the past few years. For example, preliminary data for 2012 show that more than 41,000 cases of whooping cough were reported in the United States. During this time, 18 deaths have been reported—the majority of these deaths were in children younger than 3 months of age. Unfortunately, some babies are too young to be completely vaccinated and some people may not be able to receive certain vaccinations due to severe allergies, weakened immune systems from conditions like leukemia, or other reasons. To help keep them safe, it is important that you and your children who are able to get vaccinated are fully immunized. This not only protects your family, but also helps prevent the spread of these diseases to your friends and loved ones.

4. Immunizations can save your family time and money.

   A child with a vaccine-preventable disease can be denied attendance at schools or daycare facilities. Some vaccine-preventable diseases can result in prolonged disabilities and can take a financial toll because of lost time at work, medical bills or long-term disability care. In contrast, getting vaccinated against these diseases is a good investment and usually covered by insurance. The Vaccines for Children program is a federally funded program that provides vaccines at no cost to children from low-income families. To find out more about the VFC program, visit cdc.gov or ask your child’s health care professional.

5. Immunization protects future generations.

   Vaccines have reduced and, in some cases, eliminated many diseases that killed or severely disabled people just a few generations ago. For example, smallpox vaccination eradicated that disease worldwide. Your children don’t have to get smallpox shots any more because the disease no longer exists. By vaccinating children against rubella (German measles), the risk that pregnant women will pass this virus on to their fetus or newborn has been dramatically decreased, and birth defects associated with that virus no longer are seen in the United States. If we continue vaccinating now, and vaccinating completely, parents in the future may be able to trust that some diseases of today will no longer be around to harm their children in the future. You can get even more information about the importance of infant immunization from the CDC:
    
   Vaccines & Immunizations
   Reasons to Vaccinate

Vaccines are thoroughly tested before licensing and carefully monitored after they are licensed to ensure that they are very safe.

Vaccines are among the safest and most cost-effective ways to prevent disease. They not only protect vaccinated individuals but also help protect entire communities by preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases.

All vaccines used in the United States are required to go through years of extensive safety testing before they are licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

FDA and CDC work with health care providers throughout the United States to monitor the safety of vaccines, including for any adverse events, especially rare events not identified in pre-licensure study trials.

There are three systems used to monitor the safety of vaccines after they are licensed and being used in the U.S. These systems can monitor side effects already known to be caused by vaccines, as well as detect rare side effects that were not identified during a vaccine’s clinical trials.

One of the three systems used to monitor the safety of vaccines after they are licensed and used in the U.S. is called the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). VAERS accepts reports from health professionals, vaccine manufacturers, and the general public and receives about 30,000 U.S. reports per year, compared with millions of doses given to adults.

Many types of adverse events occur after vaccination. About 85 to 90 percent of the reports describe mild adverse events such as fever, local reactions and mild irritability. The remaining reports reflect serious adverse events involving life-threatening conditions, hospitalization, permanent disability, or death, which may or may not have been caused by a vaccine.

Currently the U.S. has the safest, most effective vaccine supply in its history. The U.S. longstanding vaccine safety system ensures that vaccines are as safe as possible. As new information and science become available, this system will continue to be updated and improved.
Check out more information about vaccine safety from our trusted partners:

The Journey of Your Child’s Vaccine from the CDC
Vaccine Safety: The Facts from the American Academy of Pediatrics
Vaccines Are Safe from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine
Vaccine Safety FAQs for Parents and Caregivers from the CDC

Sources: [1] Are infant immune systems overwhelmed by vaccines? [2] Too many vaccines? [3] Multiple vaccines and the immune system, [4] Vaccine safety (CDC), [5] Vaccines protect you, [6] Vaccine safety (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia), [7] MMR VIS, [8] Vaccines protect your community, [9] Deaths following vaccination: What does the evidence show?

Vaccines are thoroughly tested before licensing and carefully monitored after they are licensed to ensure that they are very safe.

Vaccines are among the safest and most cost-effective ways to prevent disease. They not only protect vaccinated individuals but also help protect entire communities by preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases.

All vaccines used in the United States are required to go through years of extensive safety testing before they are licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

FDA and CDC work with health care providers throughout the United States to monitor the safety of vaccines, including for any adverse events, especially rare events not identified in pre-licensure study trials.

There are three systems used to monitor the safety of vaccines after they are licensed and being used in the U.S. These systems can monitor side effects already known to be caused by vaccines, as well as detect rare side effects that were not identified during a vaccine’s clinical trials.

One of the three systems used to monitor the safety of vaccines after they are licensed and used in the U.S. is called the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). VAERS accepts reports from health professionals, vaccine manufacturers, and the general public and receives about 30,000 U.S. reports per year, compared with millions of doses given to adults.

Many types of adverse events occur after vaccination. About 85 to 90 percent of the reports describe mild adverse events such as fever, local reactions and mild irritability. The remaining reports reflect serious adverse events involving life-threatening conditions, hospitalization, permanent disability, or death, which may or may not have been caused by a vaccine.

Currently the U.S. has the safest, most effective vaccine supply in its history. The U.S. longstanding vaccine safety system ensures that vaccines are as safe as possible. As new information and science become available, this system will continue to be updated and improved.
Check out more information about vaccine safety from our trusted partners:

The Journey of Your Child’s Vaccine from the CDC
Vaccine Safety: The Facts from the American Academy of Pediatrics
Vaccines Are Safe from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine
Vaccine Safety FAQs for Parents and Caregivers from the CDC

Sources: [1] Are infant immune systems overwhelmed by vaccines? [2] Too many vaccines? [3] Multiple vaccines and the immune system, [4] Vaccine safety (CDC), [5] Vaccines protect you, [6] Vaccine safety (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia), [7] MMR VIS, [8] Vaccines protect your community, [9] Deaths following vaccination: What does the evidence show?

Vaccinating your children according to the recommended schedule is one of the best ways you can protect them from 14 harmful and potentially deadly diseases before their second birthday.

Children who don’t receive recommended vaccines are at risk of, one – getting the disease or illness. And two – having a severe case of the disease or illness.

You can’t predict or know in advance if an unvaccinated child will get a vaccine-preventable disease, nor can you predict or know how severe the illness will be or become.

Vaccines don’t just protect your child. Immunization is a shared responsibility. Families, health care professionals and public health officials must work together to help protect the entire community – especially babies who are too young to be vaccinated themselves.

Most parents are vaccinating their children. Estimates from a CDC nationally representative childhood vaccine communications poll (April 2012 online poll) suggest that most people are vaccinating according to schedule. In fact, 88.3% of parents reported that they are vaccinating according to schedule or are intending to do so.

Most young parents in the U.S. have never seen the devastating effects that diseases like polio, measles or whooping cough (pertussis) can have on a family or community. It’s easy to think of these as diseases of the past. But the truth is they still exist.

Diseases like measles and rubella are only a plane ride away. Measles epidemics are occurring in Great Britain, and rubella cases have skyrocketed in Japan. Large outbreaks of pertussis (whooping cough) have occurred in parts of the U.S. over the past few years.

Vaccinating your children according to the recommended schedule is one of the best ways you can protect them from 14 harmful and potentially deadly diseases before their second birthday.

Children who don’t receive recommended vaccines are at risk of, one – getting the disease or illness. And two – having a severe case of the disease or illness.

You can’t predict or know in advance if an unvaccinated child will get a vaccine-preventable disease, nor can you predict or know how severe the illness will be or become.

Vaccines don’t just protect your child. Immunization is a shared responsibility. Families, health care professionals and public health officials must work together to help protect the entire community – especially babies who are too young to be vaccinated themselves.

Most parents are vaccinating their children. Estimates from a CDC nationally representative childhood vaccine communications poll (April 2012 online poll) suggest that most people are vaccinating according to schedule. In fact, 88.3% of parents reported that they are vaccinating according to schedule or are intending to do so.

Most young parents in the U.S. have never seen the devastating effects that diseases like polio, measles or whooping cough (pertussis) can have on a family or community. It’s easy to think of these as diseases of the past. But the truth is they still exist.

Diseases like measles and rubella are only a plane ride away. Measles epidemics are occurring in Great Britain, and rubella cases have skyrocketed in Japan. Large outbreaks of pertussis (whooping cough) have occurred in parts of the U.S. over the past few years.

1. Following the recommended schedule protects as many children as possible, before they are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases.
2. Depending on the vaccine, more than one dose is needed to build high enough immunity to prevent disease, boost immunity that fades over time, help to make sure people who did not get immunity from a first dose are protected, or protect against germs that change over time, such as the flu.
3. Every dose of a vaccine is important because they all protect against infectious diseases that are threats today. These diseases can be especially serious for infants and very young children.
4. Children do not receive any known benefits from following schedules that delay vaccines. We do know that delaying vaccines puts children at known risk of becoming ill with vaccine-preventable diseases.
5. Check the CDC’s childhood immunization schedule for all recommended vaccines.
6. Missed a shot? Check the CDC’s vaccine catch-up scheduler – for parents, caregivers and health care professionals. 
7. Get answers from a Mayo Clinic physician about why infants need so many vaccines so quickly.

1. Following the recommended schedule protects as many children as possible, before they are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases.
2. Depending on the vaccine, more than one dose is needed to build high enough immunity to prevent disease, boost immunity that fades over time, help to make sure people who did not get immunity from a first dose are protected, or protect against germs that change over time, such as the flu.
3. Every dose of a vaccine is important because they all protect against infectious diseases that are threats today. These diseases can be especially serious for infants and very young children.
4. Children do not receive any known benefits from following schedules that delay vaccines. We do know that delaying vaccines puts children at known risk of becoming ill with vaccine-preventable diseases.
5. Check the CDC’s childhood immunization schedule for all recommended vaccines.
6. Missed a shot? Check the CDC’s vaccine catch-up scheduler – for parents, caregivers and health care professionals. 
7. Get answers from a Mayo Clinic physician about why infants need so many vaccines so quickly.

Parents agree that feeding and sleep schedules are important to help keep their children healthy. The same goes for childhood immunizations.

Vaccinating children on time is the best way to protect them against 14 serious and potentially deadly diseases before their second birthday.

“The recommended immunization schedule is designed to offer protection early in life,” said Dr. Anne Schuchat, Assistant Surgeon General and Director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “when babies are vulnerable and before it’s likely they will be exposed to diseases.”

Public health and medical experts base their vaccine recommendations on many factors. They study information about diseases and vaccines very carefully to decide which vaccines kids should get and when they should get them for best protection.

Although the number of vaccines a child needs in the first two years may seem like a lot, doctors know a great deal about the human immune system, and they know that a healthy baby’s immune system can handle getting all vaccines when they are recommended. Dr. Schuchat cautions against parents delaying vaccination. “There is no known benefit to delaying vaccination. In fact, it puts babies at risk of getting sick because they are left vulnerable to catch serious diseases during the time they are not protected by vaccines.”

When parents choose not to vaccinate or to follow a delayed schedule, children are left unprotected against diseases that still circulate in this country, like measles and whooping cough.

For example, preliminary data for 2012 show that more than 41,000 cases of whooping cough were reported in the United States. During this time, 18 deaths have been reported—the majority of these deaths were in children younger than 3 months of age.

In 2012, 55 cases of measles were provisionally reported in the United States. These caused four different measles outbreaks in U.S. communities. Staying on track with the immunization schedule ensures that children have the best protection against diseases like these by age two.

Parents who are concerned about the number of shots given at one time can reduce the number given at a visit by using the flexibility built into the recommended immunization schedule. For example, the third dose of hepatitis B vaccine can be given at 6 through 18 months of age. Parents can work with their child’s health care professional to have their child get this dose at any time during that age range.

“I make sure my kids are vaccinated on time,” said Dr. Yabo Beysolow, medical officer, NCIRD and mother of three. “Getting children all the vaccines they need by age two is one of the best things parents can do to help keep their children safe and healthy.”

If you have questions about the childhood immunization schedule, talk with your child’s doctor or nurse. The CDC has more information about vaccines for children of all ages.

Parents agree that feeding and sleep schedules are important to help keep their children healthy. The same goes for childhood immunizations.

Vaccinating children on time is the best way to protect them against 14 serious and potentially deadly diseases before their second birthday.

“The recommended immunization schedule is designed to offer protection early in life,” said Dr. Anne Schuchat, Assistant Surgeon General and Director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “when babies are vulnerable and before it’s likely they will be exposed to diseases.”

Public health and medical experts base their vaccine recommendations on many factors. They study information about diseases and vaccines very carefully to decide which vaccines kids should get and when they should get them for best protection.

Although the number of vaccines a child needs in the first two years may seem like a lot, doctors know a great deal about the human immune system, and they know that a healthy baby’s immune system can handle getting all vaccines when they are recommended. Dr. Schuchat cautions against parents delaying vaccination. “There is no known benefit to delaying vaccination. In fact, it puts babies at risk of getting sick because they are left vulnerable to catch serious diseases during the time they are not protected by vaccines.”

When parents choose not to vaccinate or to follow a delayed schedule, children are left unprotected against diseases that still circulate in this country, like measles and whooping cough.

For example, preliminary data for 2012 show that more than 41,000 cases of whooping cough were reported in the United States. During this time, 18 deaths have been reported—the majority of these deaths were in children younger than 3 months of age.

In 2012, 55 cases of measles were provisionally reported in the United States. These caused four different measles outbreaks in U.S. communities. Staying on track with the immunization schedule ensures that children have the best protection against diseases like these by age two.

Parents who are concerned about the number of shots given at one time can reduce the number given at a visit by using the flexibility built into the recommended immunization schedule. For example, the third dose of hepatitis B vaccine can be given at 6 through 18 months of age. Parents can work with their child’s health care professional to have their child get this dose at any time during that age range.

“I make sure my kids are vaccinated on time,” said Dr. Yabo Beysolow, medical officer, NCIRD and mother of three. “Getting children all the vaccines they need by age two is one of the best things parents can do to help keep their children safe and healthy.”

If you have questions about the childhood immunization schedule, talk with your child’s doctor or nurse. The CDC has more information about vaccines for children of all ages.

Health care professionals are parents’ most trusted source of information about vaccines for their children. They play a critical role in supporting parents in understanding and choosing vaccines.

Parents are encouraged to talk to their health care professionals about their vaccine-related questions and concerns.

The CDC’s vaccine website for parents has additional information about reasons to vaccinate, diseases vaccinations prevent, vaccine schedules, and what to expect at the appointment.

Families who need help paying for childhood vaccines should ask their health care provider about the Vaccines for Children program, which provides vaccines at no cost to eligible children who do not otherwise have access to immunization.

Health care professionals are parents’ most trusted source of information about vaccines for their children. They play a critical role in supporting parents in understanding and choosing vaccines.

Parents are encouraged to talk to their health care professionals about their vaccine-related questions and concerns.

The CDC’s vaccine website for parents has additional information about reasons to vaccinate, diseases vaccinations prevent, vaccine schedules, and what to expect at the appointment.

Families who need help paying for childhood vaccines should ask their health care provider about the Vaccines for Children program, which provides vaccines at no cost to eligible children who do not otherwise have access to immunization.

Whooping Cough Resurgence

Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease that is often thought of as a disease of the past. While we no longer see the number of cases we did before whooping cough vaccines were available, it is a growing health concern.

The United States experienced a nearly 60-year record high number of cases in 2012, with preliminary data showing more than 41,000 reported cases and 18 deaths.

Whooping Cough Is Deadly for Babies

Whooping cough can be serious for anyone, but it is life-threatening in newborns and young babies.

Most of the deaths reported in 2012 were in babies younger than 3 months of age.

About half of babies who get whooping cough need treatment in the hospital.

The younger the baby is when he gets whooping cough, the more likely he will need to be treated in a hospital.

Priority: Preventing Infant Deaths through Vaccination

There are currently no whooping cough vaccines licensed or recommended for newborns at birth. For this reason, three vaccination strategies are used in combination with each other to provide the best protection possible to newborns and young babies:

1. Vaccinate pregnant women in their third trimester to give their newborns short-term immunity.
2. Vaccinate family members and caregivers before they meet the baby.
3. Vaccinate babies on time, beginning at 2 months of age, so they build their own immunity.

Every Pregnancy Vaccination Recommendation

CDC recommends that pregnant women receive the whooping cough vaccine called Tdap during each pregnancy. By doing so, the mother’s body creates protective antibodies and passes some of them to her baby before birth. These antibodies give babies some short-term protection against whooping cough until they can begin building their own immunity through childhood vaccinations.

Antibody levels are highest about two weeks after getting the vaccine. The vaccine is recommended in the third trimester, preferably between the 27th and 36th week of pregnancy, so the mother gives her baby the most protection (antibodies).

The amount of whooping cough antibodies a person decreases over time. This is why women need a whooping cough vaccine during each pregnancy so high levels of protective antibodies are transferred to each baby.

Cocooning Recommendation

1. The term “cocooning” means vaccinating people who care for or come in close contact with babies.
2. This is important because studies have shown that, when a source can be identified, 4 out of 5 babies who catch whooping cough get it from someone in their household.
3. When a baby’s family members and caregivers get a whooping cough vaccine, they protect their own health and help form a protective circle of immunity around the baby.
4. Cocooning alone might not be enough to prevent whooping cough illness and death in babies, but it provides some indirect protection.
    
   Learn more about vaccinating against whooping cough.

Childhood Vaccine Recommendation

The whooping cough vaccine for children (2 months through 6 years) is called DTaP. Children need their whooping cough vaccine on time as it is the best way to prevent whooping cough during childhood. DTaP vaccines should be given at 2, 4, and 6 months of age to build up high levels of protection. Booster shots are needed at 15 through 18 months and at 4 through 6 years to maintain that protection.

Vaccine Safety and Side Effects

Vaccines, including whooping cough vaccines, are held to the highest standards of safety. Experts have studied the whooping cough vaccine for adolescents and adults (Tdap), and they have concluded that it is very safe for pregnant women and their babies. Results from many clinical trials showed that DTaP vaccines are very safe for infants and children. CDC continually monitors whooping cough vaccine safety.

While whooping cough vaccines (Tdap and DTaP) are safe, side effects can occur. The most common side effects are mild (redness, swelling, tenderness) and serious side effects are extremely rare.

Vaccine Effectiveness

Getting whooping cough or a whooping cough vaccine (as a child or an adult) does not provide lifetime protection. In general, DTaP vaccination is effective for 89 out of 100 children who receive it, and Tdap vaccination protects 65 out of 100 people who receive it. Protection from both whooping cough vaccines fades over time, but people who are vaccinated and get whooping cough later are typically protected against severe illness.

Get more information from the CDC about protecting babies from whooping cough.
Find out more about cocooning.

Whooping Cough Resurgence

Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease that is often thought of as a disease of the past. While we no longer see the number of cases we did before whooping cough vaccines were available, it is a growing health concern.

The United States experienced a nearly 60-year record high number of cases in 2012, with preliminary data showing more than 41,000 reported cases and 18 deaths.

Whooping Cough Is Deadly for Babies

Whooping cough can be serious for anyone, but it is life-threatening in newborns and young babies.

Most of the deaths reported in 2012 were in babies younger than 3 months of age.

About half of babies who get whooping cough need treatment in the hospital.

The younger the baby is when he gets whooping cough, the more likely he will need to be treated in a hospital.

Priority: Preventing Infant Deaths through Vaccination

There are currently no whooping cough vaccines licensed or recommended for newborns at birth. For this reason, three vaccination strategies are used in combination with each other to provide the best protection possible to newborns and young babies:

1. Vaccinate pregnant women in their third trimester to give their newborns short-term immunity.
2. Vaccinate family members and caregivers before they meet the baby.
3. Vaccinate babies on time, beginning at 2 months of age, so they build their own immunity.

Every Pregnancy Vaccination Recommendation

CDC recommends that pregnant women receive the whooping cough vaccine called Tdap during each pregnancy. By doing so, the mother’s body creates protective antibodies and passes some of them to her baby before birth. These antibodies give babies some short-term protection against whooping cough until they can begin building their own immunity through childhood vaccinations.

Antibody levels are highest about two weeks after getting the vaccine. The vaccine is recommended in the third trimester, preferably between the 27th and 36th week of pregnancy, so the mother gives her baby the most protection (antibodies).

The amount of whooping cough antibodies a person decreases over time. This is why women need a whooping cough vaccine during each pregnancy so high levels of protective antibodies are transferred to each baby.

Cocooning Recommendation

1. The term “cocooning” means vaccinating people who care for or come in close contact with babies.
2. This is important because studies have shown that, when a source can be identified, 4 out of 5 babies who catch whooping cough get it from someone in their household.
3. When a baby’s family members and caregivers get a whooping cough vaccine, they protect their own health and help form a protective circle of immunity around the baby.
4. Cocooning alone might not be enough to prevent whooping cough illness and death in babies, but it provides some indirect protection.
    
   Learn more about vaccinating against whooping cough.

Childhood Vaccine Recommendation

The whooping cough vaccine for children (2 months through 6 years) is called DTaP. Children need their whooping cough vaccine on time as it is the best way to prevent whooping cough during childhood. DTaP vaccines should be given at 2, 4, and 6 months of age to build up high levels of protection. Booster shots are needed at 15 through 18 months and at 4 through 6 years to maintain that protection.

Vaccine Safety and Side Effects

Vaccines, including whooping cough vaccines, are held to the highest standards of safety. Experts have studied the whooping cough vaccine for adolescents and adults (Tdap), and they have concluded that it is very safe for pregnant women and their babies. Results from many clinical trials showed that DTaP vaccines are very safe for infants and children. CDC continually monitors whooping cough vaccine safety.

While whooping cough vaccines (Tdap and DTaP) are safe, side effects can occur. The most common side effects are mild (redness, swelling, tenderness) and serious side effects are extremely rare.

Vaccine Effectiveness

Getting whooping cough or a whooping cough vaccine (as a child or an adult) does not provide lifetime protection. In general, DTaP vaccination is effective for 89 out of 100 children who receive it, and Tdap vaccination protects 65 out of 100 people who receive it. Protection from both whooping cough vaccines fades over time, but people who are vaccinated and get whooping cough later are typically protected against severe illness.

Get more information from the CDC about protecting babies from whooping cough.
Find out more about cocooning.

Following is key information about the vaccines that are recommended for babies from birth through age 2.

Hep B vaccine protects against hepatitis B. 

All children should get their first dose of hepatitis B vaccine at birth and should have completed the vaccine series by 6 through 18 months of age.

• Spread: through contact with bodily fluids.
• Symptoms: There may be no symptoms, or there may be fever, stomach pain, loss of appetite, vomiting, fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), dark urine.
• Complications: liver failure, joint pain, kidney, pancreatic or blood disorders.

RV vaccine protects against rotavirus. 

All children should get their first dose of RV between 6 weeks and 14 weeks and 6 days of age.

• Spread: through the mouth.
• Symptoms: diarrhea, fever and vomiting.
• Complications: diarrhea, dehydration.

DTaP vaccine protects against diphtheria / tetanus / pertussis. 

Children should get 5 doses of DTaP, one dose at each of the following ages: 2, 4, 6, and 15-18 months and 4-6 years.

Diphtheria

• Spread: through the air and direct contact.
• Symptoms: sore throat, mild fever, weakness, sore glands in neck.
• Complications: swelling of the heart muscle, heart failure, coma, paralysis, death.

Tetanus

• Spread: exposure through cuts in the skin.
• Symptoms: stiffness in neck and abdominal muscles, difficulty swallowing, muscle spasms, fever.
• Complications: broken bones, breathing difficulty, death.

Pertussis (whooping cough)

• Spread: through the air and direct contact.
• Symptoms: severe cough, runny nose, apnea (pause in breathing in infants).
• Complications: pneumonia (infection in the lungs), death.

Hib vaccine protects against haemophilis influenzae type b.

It is recommended for all children younger than 5 years old in the US, and it is usually given to infants starting at 2 months old.

• Spread: through air, direct contact.
• Symptoms: may be no symptoms unless bacteria enters the blood.
• Complications: meningitis (infection of the covering around the brain and spinal cord), intellectual disability, epiglottis (life-threatening infection that can block the windpipe and lead to serious breathing problems) pneumonia (infection in the lungs), death.

PCV vaccine protects against pneumococcus. 

The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, PCV13 or Prevnar 13®, is currently recommended for all children younger than 5 years of age. Pneumovax® is 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPVSV23) that is currently recommended for use for children who are 2 years and older and at high risk for disease (e.g., sickle cell disease, HIV infection, or other immunocompromising conditions).

• Spread: through the air, direct contact.
• Symptoms: There may be no symptoms, or there may be pneumonia (infection in the lungs).
• Complications: bacteremia (blood infection), meningitis (infection of the covering around the brain and spinal cord), death.

IPV vaccine protects against polio.

Children get 4 doses of IPV, at these ages: 2 months, 4 months, 6-18 months, and booster dose at 4-6 years.

• Spread: through the air, direct contact, through the mouth.
• Symptoms: There may be no symptoms, or there may be sore throat, fever, nausea, headache.
• Complications: paralysis, death.

Flu vaccine protects against influenza.

A yearly flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older.

• Spread: through the air, direct contact.
• Symptoms: fever, muscle pain, sore throat, fever, cough, extreme fatigue.
• Complications: pneumonia (infection in the lungs).

MMR vaccine protects against measles / mumps / rubella.

Recommended for everyone 6 months and older.

Measles

• Spread: through the air, direct contact.
• Symptoms: rash, fever, cough, runny nose, pinkeye.
• Complications: encephalitis (brain swelling) pneumonia (infection in the lungs), death.

Mumps

• Spread: through the air, direct contact.
• Symptoms: swollen salivary glands (under the jaw), fever, headache, tiredness, muscle pain.
• Complications: meningitis (infection of the covering around the brain and spinal cord), encephalitis (brain swelling) pneumonia (infection in the lungs), inflammation of testicles or ovaries, deafness.

Rubella

• Spread: through the air, direct contact.
• Symptoms: Children infected with rubella virus sometimes have a rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes.
• Complications: very serious in pregnant women – can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, birth defects.

Varicella vaccine protects against chickenpox.

Recommended for everyone 6 months and older.

• Spread: through the air, direct contact.
• Symptoms: rash, tiredness, headache, fever.
• Complications: infected blisters, bleeding disorders, encephalitis (brain swelling), pneumonia (infection in the lungs).

Hepatitis A vaccine protects against hepatitis A.

Recommended for everyone 6 months and older.

• Spread: through direct contact, contaminated food or water.
• Symptoms: There may be no symptoms, or there may be fever, stomach pain, loss of appetite, fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), dark urine.
• Complications: liver failure, joint pain, kidney, pancreatic and blood disorders.

Following is key information about the vaccines that are recommended for babies from birth through age 2.

Hep B vaccine protects against hepatitis B. 

All children should get their first dose of hepatitis B vaccine at birth and should have completed the vaccine series by 6 through 18 months of age.

• Spread: through contact with bodily fluids.
• Symptoms: There may be no symptoms, or there may be fever, stomach pain, loss of appetite, vomiting, fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), dark urine.
• Complications: liver failure, joint pain, kidney, pancreatic or blood disorders.

RV vaccine protects against rotavirus. 

All children should get their first dose of RV between 6 weeks and 14 weeks and 6 days of age.

• Spread: through the mouth.
• Symptoms: diarrhea, fever and vomiting.
• Complications: diarrhea, dehydration.

DTaP vaccine protects against diphtheria / tetanus / pertussis. 

Children should get 5 doses of DTaP, one dose at each of the following ages: 2, 4, 6, and 15-18 months and 4-6 years.

Diphtheria

• Spread: through the air and direct contact.
• Symptoms: sore throat, mild fever, weakness, sore glands in neck.
• Complications: swelling of the heart muscle, heart failure, coma, paralysis, death.

Tetanus

• Spread: exposure through cuts in the skin.
• Symptoms: stiffness in neck and abdominal muscles, difficulty swallowing, muscle spasms, fever.
• Complications: broken bones, breathing difficulty, death.

Pertussis (whooping cough)

• Spread: through the air and direct contact.
• Symptoms: severe cough, runny nose, apnea (pause in breathing in infants).
• Complications: pneumonia (infection in the lungs), death.

Hib vaccine protects against haemophilis influenzae type b.

It is recommended for all children younger than 5 years old in the US, and it is usually given to infants starting at 2 months old.

• Spread: through air, direct contact.
• Symptoms: may be no symptoms unless bacteria enters the blood.
• Complications: meningitis (infection of the covering around the brain and spinal cord), intellectual disability, epiglottis (life-threatening infection that can block the windpipe and lead to serious breathing problems) pneumonia (infection in the lungs), death.

PCV vaccine protects against pneumococcus. 

The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, PCV13 or Prevnar 13®, is currently recommended for all children younger than 5 years of age. Pneumovax® is 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPVSV23) that is currently recommended for use for children who are 2 years and older and at high risk for disease (e.g., sickle cell disease, HIV infection, or other immunocompromising conditions).

• Spread: through the air, direct contact.
• Symptoms: There may be no symptoms, or there may be pneumonia (infection in the lungs).
• Complications: bacteremia (blood infection), meningitis (infection of the covering around the brain and spinal cord), death.

IPV vaccine protects against polio.

Children get 4 doses of IPV, at these ages: 2 months, 4 months, 6-18 months, and booster dose at 4-6 years.

• Spread: through the air, direct contact, through the mouth.
• Symptoms: There may be no symptoms, or there may be sore throat, fever, nausea, headache.
• Complications: paralysis, death.

Flu vaccine protects against influenza.

A yearly flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older.

• Spread: through the air, direct contact.
• Symptoms: fever, muscle pain, sore throat, fever, cough, extreme fatigue.
• Complications: pneumonia (infection in the lungs).

MMR vaccine protects against measles / mumps / rubella.

Recommended for everyone 6 months and older.

Measles

• Spread: through the air, direct contact.
• Symptoms: rash, fever, cough, runny nose, pinkeye.
• Complications: encephalitis (brain swelling) pneumonia (infection in the lungs), death.

Mumps

• Spread: through the air, direct contact.
• Symptoms: swollen salivary glands (under the jaw), fever, headache, tiredness, muscle pain.
• Complications: meningitis (infection of the covering around the brain and spinal cord), encephalitis (brain swelling) pneumonia (infection in the lungs), inflammation of testicles or ovaries, deafness.

Rubella

• Spread: through the air, direct contact.
• Symptoms: Children infected with rubella virus sometimes have a rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes.
• Complications: very serious in pregnant women – can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, birth defects.

Varicella vaccine protects against chickenpox.

Recommended for everyone 6 months and older.

• Spread: through the air, direct contact.
• Symptoms: rash, tiredness, headache, fever.
• Complications: infected blisters, bleeding disorders, encephalitis (brain swelling), pneumonia (infection in the lungs).

Hepatitis A vaccine protects against hepatitis A.

Recommended for everyone 6 months and older.

• Spread: through direct contact, contaminated food or water.
• Symptoms: There may be no symptoms, or there may be fever, stomach pain, loss of appetite, fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), dark urine.
• Complications: liver failure, joint pain, kidney, pancreatic and blood disorders.

Resources for Parents

CDC: 2013 Immunization Schedules for Children, Adolescents and Adults

cdc.gov

CDC: Parent’s Guide to Childhood Immunizations

This guide can help parents and caregivers learn about the role vaccines play in helping keep children healthy.
cdc.gov

CDC: Parent-Friendly Vaccine Website

Immunization Schedules for children. Create a schedule for your child that will help you stay on track.
cdc.gov

CDC: Easy-to-Read Immunization Schedule Age 0-6 – English & Spanish

cdc.gov

CDC: Who Sets the Immunization Schedule? 

Learn in words and pictures about the journey of your child’s vaccine, including how a vaccine is added to the US recommended schedule.
cdc.gov

CDC: Facts for Parents

cdc.gov

CDC: Vaccines Help Protect Travelers of All Ages

cdc.gov

CDC: Finding and Paying for Vaccines: Vaccines For Children (VFC) program

cdc.gov

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP): Vaccine Education Center

chop.edu

American Academy of Pediatrics

aap.org

CDC: Vaccines and Pregnancy – flyers, guidance, recommendations, videos

cdc.gov

Spanish Language Resources

CDC: Spanish Language Immunization Website
cdc.gov

Common questions about infant vaccinations

cdc.gov

Evaluating content on the web

cdc.gov

Brochure for parents: What if you don’t vaccinate your child?
immunize.org

Worldwide impact

unicefusa.org

American Academy of Pediatrics – Immunizations

healthychildren.org

 

Resources for Advocates and Educators

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP): Vaccine Resources

chop.edu

ShotbyShot.org: Stories of Vaccine Preventable Diseases

A collection of stories from people who have been touched by vaccine-preventable diseases
shotbyshot.org

Every Child By Two (ECBT): Shot of Prevention Blog

News and Views on Vaccine
shotofprevention.com

Science-Based Resources

immunize.org

 

Resources for Health Care Professionals

CDC: Vaccines and Immunizations

cdc.gov

CDC: Provider Resources for Vaccine Conversations with Parents

cdc.gov

Immunization Action Coalition: Need Help Responding to Vaccine Hesitant Parents?

immunize.org

American Academy of Pediatrics: Vaccine status website

aap.org

ACOG: Immunization Toolkit

immunizationforwomen.org

Policy statements – American Academy of Pediatrics

immunize.org

 

Resources for Parents

CDC: 2013 Immunization Schedules for Children, Adolescents and Adults

cdc.gov

CDC: Parent’s Guide to Childhood Immunizations

This guide can help parents and caregivers learn about the role vaccines play in helping keep children healthy.
cdc.gov

CDC: Parent-Friendly Vaccine Website

Immunization Schedules for children. Create a schedule for your child that will help you stay on track.
cdc.gov

CDC: Easy-to-Read Immunization Schedule Age 0-6 – English & Spanish

cdc.gov

CDC: Who Sets the Immunization Schedule? 

Learn in words and pictures about the journey of your child’s vaccine, including how a vaccine is added to the US recommended schedule.
cdc.gov

CDC: Facts for Parents

cdc.gov

CDC: Vaccines Help Protect Travelers of All Ages

cdc.gov

CDC: Finding and Paying for Vaccines: Vaccines For Children (VFC) program

cdc.gov

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP): Vaccine Education Center

chop.edu

American Academy of Pediatrics

aap.org

CDC: Vaccines and Pregnancy – flyers, guidance, recommendations, videos

cdc.gov

Spanish Language Resources

CDC: Spanish Language Immunization Website
cdc.gov

Common questions about infant vaccinations

cdc.gov

Evaluating content on the web

cdc.gov

Brochure for parents: What if you don’t vaccinate your child?
immunize.org

Worldwide impact

unicefusa.org

American Academy of Pediatrics – Immunizations

healthychildren.org

 

Resources for Advocates and Educators

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP): Vaccine Resources

chop.edu

ShotbyShot.org: Stories of Vaccine Preventable Diseases

A collection of stories from people who have been touched by vaccine-preventable diseases
shotbyshot.org

Every Child By Two (ECBT): Shot of Prevention Blog

News and Views on Vaccine
shotofprevention.com

Science-Based Resources

immunize.org

 

Resources for Health Care Professionals

CDC: Vaccines and Immunizations

cdc.gov

CDC: Provider Resources for Vaccine Conversations with Parents

cdc.gov

Immunization Action Coalition: Need Help Responding to Vaccine Hesitant Parents?

immunize.org

American Academy of Pediatrics: Vaccine status website

aap.org

ACOG: Immunization Toolkit

immunizationforwomen.org

Policy statements – American Academy of Pediatrics

immunize.org