Vaccines & Immunizations for Children

Ensuring that your children stay up-to-date on vaccines is one of the most vital steps you can take to safeguard their health and well-being. As a parent and a public health professional, nothing is more important than the health and safety of our children. Vaccinations serve as a shield against serious, and sometimes life-threatening, diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, whooping cough, and influenza. By keeping immunizations current, you not only protect your own child but also help safeguard those around them — including infants and individuals with health conditions who cannot be vaccinated.

A Message from Dr. James (Jim) DeCarli, PhD. MPH, MCHES
As a parent myself and a public health professional, I often hear parents ask, 'Should I vaccinate my child?' My answer is always yes — vaccines are safe, effective, and vital for protecting your child's health. I work daily with expecting and new parents to ensure they are well-informed and prepared to protect their newborns from the very start. Vaccination boosts their immunity and helps prevent serious illnesses. Once a child is not vaccinated and exposed to a disease, there's no way to turn back. As parents, we have the power to prevent disease, illness, and even death by keeping up with recommended vaccines. Protect your child today for a healthier tomorrow.

Why Vaccines Matter

Vaccines are rigorously tested for safety and effectiveness before approval.
When your child receives a vaccine, it trains their immune system to recognize and fight specific diseases, drastically reducing the risk of infection and complications.
While it is never too late to vaccinate, timely immunization is critical—vaccinating before exposure to disease can prevent lifelong disabilities, paralysis, or death, as seen with diseases like polio.
Vaccines protect children from serious illnesses such as measles, diphtheria, whooping cough, hepatitis B, Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b bacterium), Poliomyelitis (polio), pneumococcal infections, rotavirus, influenza, and HPV, which can cause severe health problems, long-term disabilities, or death.
Keeping immunizations current helps build a healthier, safer future for everyone.

What Vaccines Are Recommended?

The standard immunization schedule for children from birth through age 18 includes vaccines for diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, polio, and influenza.
The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, in particular, is crucial — one dose provides lifelong immunity and helps protect not just your child but the entire community.
Staying current with vaccines ensures your child is protected against preventable diseases, some of which can have severe or even fatal consequences.

Addressing Concerns About Safety

The overwhelming evidence shows that vaccines have saved millions of lives and continue to prevent countless illnesses worldwide.
While minor side effects like soreness at the injection site or a mild fever are common, serious adverse reactions are extremely rare.
The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the small risks involved, making vaccines a cornerstone of public health efforts to control and eliminate dangerous diseases.
If you have concerns or questions, consult your child's healthcare provider for personalized advice.

A Growing Threat: How Decreased Vaccination Rates Are Causing the Resurgence of Measles

Once considered nearly eradicated in many countries, measles is making a troubling comeback, globally and in the United States, due to decreased vaccination rates.
Measles is highly contagious — a person with measles can infect 90% of those nearby who are unvaccinated.
Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and rash.
Severe complications can include pneumonia, brain swelling, and death.
The safe, effective MMR vaccine prevents all of this suffering.
Protect your child and community by ensuring they are vaccinated.

A Call to Action for Parents

As a healthcare professional and parent, I urge you to consult with your child's healthcare provider to ensure all immunizations are current.
Protecting your child's health today helps build a healthier future for everyone.
If you are expecting a baby, or already a parent, talk with your healthcare provider to ensure your baby and family are protected from the start.
Remember: A simple vaccine saves lives. It’s safe, effective, and essential.

Resources & Contact

Trusted, Recommended Resources:

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) — Guidance for parents and pediatricians on childhood health - See AAP Recommended Immunization Schedule.
World Health Organization (WHO) — Global health recommendations on vaccines and immunization.
Your County Public Health Department - Immunizations — Local resources for vaccine schedules, clinics, and community programs.

Remember - Contact Your Child's Pediatrician:

Your child’s healthcare provider is your best source for personalized advice and answers to any questions about vaccines.
Talk openly with your child's pediatrician or healthcare provider to ensure your child is protected and up-to-date on their immunizations.

The information provided on this webpage is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your child's healthcare provider for personalized guidance and questions about vaccines and immunizations.

Our organization is proud to be part of the Prevention and Vaccine Promotion Task Force, which I founded in 2022 with other medical professionals. This task force applies evidence-based, cognitive strategies to increase vaccine uptake and promote healthy communities worldwide. Our mission aligns with this initiative to empower communities through education, address vaccine hesitancy, and prevent future pandemics. To learn more about our efforts and the innovative model guiding our initiatives, click here.

Vaccines & Immunizations for Children

Resources & Contact

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