The immunization schedule that is recommended for children by organizations and agencies like the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the Academy of Family Physicians and American Academy of Pediatrics help to prevent over 14 different diseases.

The vaccinations that are recommended not only prevent your child from getting a deadly disease, but also help to eliminate the chance that a dangerous disease is spread from one child to another. Decreasing the odds of diseases such as diphtheria, polio, and tetanus infecting your child should give you some comfort when sending your child off to school or even day care.

If you are worried about the germ or disease that is being injected into your child during their yearly check-ups, take the time to do the research needed to understand what the vaccine is, how it can affect your child, if there are any side effects or risk of illness. Exposing a child to a particular disease in vaccine form allows their immune system the opportunity to build up antibodies that will protect them from contracting the disease in question if they are ever exposed to the disease. The vaccines given to our children contain a dead, weakened, or contain a part of the germ that is injected. Contracting the disease through a vaccine is unlikely.

After gathering research on the recommended vaccines, you will find the side effects to be minimal, compared to actually contracting one of the diseases the CDC and other agencies are trying to prevent. It is more likely that your child will get a rash or low-grade fever after the vaccines have been given, then the actual disease. There has been much controversy about the safety of childhood immunizations, but there is no evidence that the vaccines in question are harmful. The benefits associated with vaccinating your child, certainly outweigh the possible reaction or side-effects they may or may not develop.  

Recommended Immunization Schedule

The vaccine schedule that has been recommended for every child in the United States may be long, but you will find that some vaccines have been combined into one as to reduce the number of shots your child is given.

This immunization schedule is recommended to be completed by 2 years of age:

• One vaccination for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
• Three to four polio vaccinations (IPV)
• Four vaccinations for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DPT)
• Four vaccinations for Haemophilus influenza (Hib), a common upper respiratory infection that can also cause meningitis
• Three vaccinations for hepatitis B
• Three vaccinations for rotavirus, a type of infection that causes severe diarrhea
• Four vaccinations for pneumococcal disease, a common cause of ear infections and pneumonia
• One vaccination for varicella (chickenpox) 12 months of age or after and only if your child does not develop chickenpox on his or her own before then

Once these immunizations have been given, it is recommended that between the ages of 4 and 6, your child receive a second booster shot for MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), DPT (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis), IPV (polio), and chickenpox. Other vaccines that should be included into your child’s vaccine schedule are hepatitis A, and a yearly flu shot. The flu shot can be given after 6 months of age.

Newer Vaccinations

You may have also heard about the HPV vaccine. This vaccine helps to prevent your child from contracting the human papillomavirus. The vaccine is recommended to be given in two doses, the first at 11 to 12 years of age, and the second 6 to 12 months after. Children who start the vaccine after they have turned 15 years of age will require three doses of the vaccine. While it may have been thought that this disease only presented the risk of infection or harm in women, it also can also affect men. So, whether you have a son or a daughter, take the time to research HPV and the vaccine.  

Keeping An Immunization Record

Following a vaccine schedule like this can be a lot to keep track of, that is why it is recommended that you keep a running log of all shots that have been given and are expected to be given. As you have seen above, most of the vaccines your child will receive are from birth to 6 years old, but most require a second booster shot, at different ages and in different combinations. So, how do you keep track of the shots that have been given are expected to be given? Of course, you can be sure to find an immunization record at your pediatrician’s office, but what if you change doctors? There is always a possibility that records are lost or incomplete. It is important for you, as a parent, to also keep track of your child’s health records.

Ask your child’s pediatrician for a blank immunization form so that you can keep your own records. For safe keeping, you may want to keep the immunization record with other important documents, like your child’s birth certificate and social security card. You can also visit the CDC website to download an easy-to-read immunization form. Complete the form and save with other childhood documents that have a designated file on your computer. This will help to prevent a missed or late immunization that is recommended.

Getting the Facts About Vaccinations

If you are still concerned about your newborn being stuck with a needle containing a vaccine. Take the time to compare the benefits and dangers of children that follow the recommended immunization schedule, and those that do not. As a parent, you are required to make decisions about your child’s healthcare, make sure to have all the facts before making such an important one.

Healthcare Insurance and Co-Pays

If you are working on a small budget, and funds are extremely tight, don’t worry, vaccines and yearly check-ups are covered by your healthcare insurance. You should not be expected to pay for any of the recommended vaccines or a check-up co-pay. If for some reason you do not have insurance, or are required to pay for the office visit, look into state insurance, or ask the pediatrician if you are eligible for a discount or payment agreement. If you still need assistance in making a payment, take a look at some quick funding options that are available, like a payday loan. With the same day funding a payday loan offers, you can pick up your cash on the way to your doctor’s visit.