Vaccinations
Today, most children routinely get vaccines that protect them from diseases such as measles, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Most of these diseases are at their lowest levels in history, thanks to immunization. Vaccines help make you immune to serious diseases without getting sick. Vaccines contained weakened versions of a virus called antigens, which cannot produce the signs or symptoms of the disease but do stimulate the immune system to create antibodies. These antibodies protect you if you are exposed to the virus in the future.
Are vaccines safe?
Vaccines are generally safe. The protection from disease provided by vaccines far outweighs the small risk of serious side effects. Many serious childhood diseases that existed just decades ago have been made rare today thanks to vaccines.
Do vaccines have side effects?
When should my child be vaccinated?
It is recommended that children receive specific vaccinations at certain times. For more information, check out the CDC’s immunization schedule.
