Parents' Guide to Immunization

Few things are more disturbing to a parent than the thought of a seriously ill child. Fortunately, you can prevent many childhood diseases simply by making sure your kids receive their full slate of immunization shots.

Vaccinating children has resulted in a remarkable reduction of many health threats. Some illnesses – including polio, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) – have been virtually eliminated in the Western world thanks to immunizations.

However, outbreaks of these diseases could return if enough parents fail to immunize their children in the future. By vaccinating your children, you lower the overall incidence of illness in the community, which helps prevent all children from becoming sick. This protection is especially important for children who cannot receive vaccines due to health reasons.

Knowing some basic information about immunizations can help smooth the process for both you and your child.

The basics

Children receive vaccinations when they are very young and most vulnerable to certain viral or bacterial infections. Some vaccines provide a lifetime of protection against disease. Other immunizations have to be periodically updated.

Each vaccine protects your child from contracting a specific disease. Tiny amounts of the pathogen that causes the disease ( either in killed or weakened form) are contained in the vaccines that are injected into your child’s body. Once these microorganisms enter your child’s body, the immune system perceives them as a threat and responds by creating antibodies to the disease. These antibodies help the body target pathogens to prevent them from causing disease. The body “remembers” the pathogen. If the body encounters the pathogen again it can quickly respond with antibodies specifically designed to protect against that disease. The process of establishing antibodies to a disease is known as immunity.

Childhood immunizations usually target 13 diseases, including measles, mumps and rubella; chickenpox; polio; tetanus; pertussis and others. Many experts, including the CDC, also recommend that all children between the ages of 6 months and 18 years receive the influenza vaccine each year in the fall.

Immunization schedule

So, how do you know which immunizations your child should receive? And how do you know when they should be administered?

Discuss the immunization schedule with your child’s pediatrician. Children must have received certain vaccinations before they enter school. The requirements vary from state to state.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a schedule for childhood vaccinations.

Planning on going abroad with your child? If so, talk with your child’s doctor about any vaccinations that may be necessary before you travel. In some cases, a child’s regular vaccination schedule may be accelerated when a family plans to travel to parts of the world where certain diseases are endemic. Vaccines not normally required in the U.S. may also be necessary when traveling to other countries with your children.

Keep track of your child’s immunizations. Many vaccinations require booster shots to raise the child’s immunity after a period of time, so it’s important to know what vaccinations your child has received and when they were administered. In addition, schools, childcare facilities and other organizations may require proof of your child’s vaccination prior to admittance.

Computerized programs known as immunization registries may collect some information about a child’s immunization history. However, there is no universal system that is used for this purpose, making it difficult to maintain a single source of information for families that move over time.

If you lose any vaccination records, you can usually get copies from the doctor’s office or clinic where the immunization took place. Schools also may have these records. However, doctors’ offices and clinics also do not keep records indefinitely and schools often discard such documents after a year or so.

Parents can request an immunization record form from the doctor. This form can keep track of all the vaccinations a child receives and the date they were provided. These forms are often wallet sized so they are easily transportable and available when needed.

Parents who cannot locate proof of their children’s vaccinations may need to have their children vaccinated a second time. Or, they may have to arrange blood tests that prove their child was immunized.

Tips for successful immunization

For many children, immunization can be a scary thing. But there are several steps adults can take to reduce a child’s anxiety levels.

Tell your child why immunization is important. Sit down with your children when they are old enough to understand, and explain that vaccination will keep them healthy so they won’t feel unnecessary pain and discomfort in the future from these diseases.
Prepare and calm your child prior to vaccination. Injections often frighten children. Explain that it is OK to be afraid, but also to encourage the child to be brave.
Remain with your child throughout the procedure. Assure your child that you will stay with them during the vaccination. As the injections are administered, it may be helpful to distract your child. Sing songs together, ask your child to count, suggest that your child look away at a painting on the wall – do whatever helps to keep your child’s mind focused on things other than the immunization. If your child is an infant or toddler, you may be asked to hold your child during the shot. Be sure to bring along a favorite blanket or toy that will help soothe your little patient.
Praise and reward your child. Once the immunization is finished, be sure to praise your child for getting through the procedure. A reward such as a trip to the playground or even a chocolate sundae can help make the memory of the immunization less traumatic for the child.

For more information on immunizations, see the Vaccines message board.