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About your child's immunizations (shots)

Why should children be vaccinated?

Vaccines protect children from diseases that can cause damage or even death.

It's easy to question why children need vaccines for diseases that we may not see often. But these diseases are not gone. For instance, pertussis (whooping cough) and influenza (flu) affect thousands of children each year and lead to death in a small number of them. These are deaths we can prevent.

If we stop vaccinating against these diseases, many more children will become infected. Vaccinations help keep your child safe.

What vaccines do they need?

The common vaccines children should have include those that protect against:

• Measles, mumps, rubella (German measles) – one vaccine for all three
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis A
• Polio
• Diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough) – one vaccine for all three
• Hib disease (spinal meningitis, an infection in the covering of the spinal cord)
• Chickenpox
• Rotavirus (causing severe diarrhea)
• Influenza (flu)
• Pneumonia
• Meningitis
• Human Papilloma Virus

Access the CDC's Instant Childhood Immunization Schedule for children up to age six.

When should children be vaccinated?

Vaccinations should be started at birth. Most of them should be given within the first two years. Older children also need certain vaccinations. The best way to make sure your child gets the right vaccines at the right times is to go for regular well-child check-ups. Your child's doctor will follow a schedule and will let you know about any new vaccines or changes in the schedule.

Are the vaccinations safe?

Yes. A lot of research and testing are done before any vaccine is approved for use. All vaccines are watched closely for safety during the entire time they remain in use.

Serious reactions to vaccines are very rare. The risk of a serious reaction is far lower than the danger to your child's health if she or he had one of these childhood diseases. If you have any concerns, talk with your child's doctor or nurse.

What about the side effects?

Most often vaccines cause only minor side effects. These side effects do not last long and can be treated. They include:

• Soreness where the shot was given. You may give your child acetaminophen (such as Tylenol®) for pain. Do not give aspirin. Please note: Ibuprofen should not be used for children younger than 6 months of age.
• Redness or swelling in the arm or leg where the shot was given. Apply a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the sore area. If redness or tenderness increases after 24 hours, call the doctor.
  • Mild fever. To help reduce fever:
  • Give the child plenty to drink
  • Clothe the child lightly.
  • Sponge in lukewarm water.
  • Give acetaminophen as directed. Do not give aspirin.

Call the doctor right away if your child:

• Has a temperature of 105 degrees or higher
• Is pale or limp
• Has been crying for more than 3 hours
• Has a strange cry (high pitched, not normal)
• Is shaking, twitching, or jerking
• Is much less active than normal

What if parents can't afford to have their children vaccinated?
Vaccinations are usually free or low cost for children when families can't afford them. For more information, please contact your local health department or the Wisconsin Immunization Program at 608-267-5148. Your child's health depends on it!

How can you keep track of your child's shots?

Aurora Health Care uses the Wisconsin Immunization Registry to record your child's shots. This is a statewide computer program that keeps track of all vaccinations given. Your child's record is updated each time another vaccination is given. You may ask for a printed copy of this record, or access the information yourself at www.dhfswir.org.

More resources

• Wisconsin Immunization Registry
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – National Immunization Program
• Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule

DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this site is intended for general information and educational purposes. It is not intended to replace the advice of your own physician. Contact your physician if you believe you have a health problem.