What are vaccines?

Vaccines are injections (shots), liquids, pills, or nasal sprays that you take to teach the immune system to recognize and defend against harmful germs. The germs could be viruses or bacteria.

Some types of vaccines contain germs that cause disease. But the germs have been killed or weakened enough that they won't make your child sick. Some vaccines only contain a part of a germ. Other types of vaccines include instructions for your cells to make a protein of the germ.

These different vaccine types all spark an immune response, which helps the body fight off the germs. Your child's immune system will also remember the germ and attack it if that germ ever invades again. This protection against a certain disease is called immunity.

Why do I need to vaccinate my child?

Babies are born with immune systems that can fight most germs, but there are some serious diseases they can't handle. That's why they need vaccines to strengthen their immune system.

These diseases once killed or harmed many infants, children, and adults. But now with vaccines, your child can get immunity from these diseases without having to get sick. And for a few vaccines, getting vaccinated can actually give you a better immune response than getting the disease would.

Vaccinating your child also protects others. Normally, germs can travel quickly through a community and make a lot of people sick. If enough people get sick, it can lead to an outbreak. But when enough people are vaccinated against a certain disease, it's harder for that disease to spread to others. This means that the entire community is less likely to get the disease.

Community immunity is especially important for the people who can't get certain vaccines. For example, they may not be able to get a vaccine because they have weakened immune systems. Others may be allergic to certain vaccine ingredients. And newborn babies are too young to get some vaccines. Community immunity can help to protect them all.

Are vaccines safe for children?

Vaccines are safe. They must go through extensive safety testing and evaluation before they are approved in the United States.

Some people worry that childhood vaccines could cause autism spectrum disorder (ASD). But many scientific studies have looked at this and have found no link between vaccines and autism.

Can vaccines overload my child's immune system?

No, vaccines do not overload the immune system. Every day, a healthy child's immune system successfully fights off thousands of germs. When your child gets vaccines, they are getting weakened or dead germs. So even if they get several vaccines in one day, they are being exposed to a tiny amount of germs compared to what they encounter every day in their environment.

When do I need to vaccinate my child?

Your child will get vaccines during well-child visits. They will be given according to the vaccine schedule. This schedule lists which vaccines are recommended for children. It includes who should get the vaccines, how many doses they need, and at what age they should get them. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes the vaccine schedule.

Following the vaccine schedule allows your child to get protection from the diseases at exactly the right time. It gives his or her body the chance to build up immunity before being exposed to these very serious diseases.

You want to do what is best for your children. You know about the importance of car seats, baby gates, and other ways to keep them safe. But did you know that one of the best ways to protect your children is to make sure they have all of their vaccinations?

Immunizations can save your child's life. Because of advances in medical science, your child can be protected against more diseases than ever before. Some diseases that once injured or killed thousands of children have been eliminated completely, and others are close to extinction – primarily due to safe and effective vaccines. Polio is one example of the great impact that vaccines have had in the United States. Polio was once America's most-feared disease, causing death and paralysis across the country, but today, thanks to vaccination, there are no reports of polio in the United States.

Vaccination is very safe and effective. Vaccines are only given to children after a long and careful review by scientists, doctors, and healthcare professionals. Vaccines will involve some discomfort and may cause pain, redness, or tenderness at the site of injection, but this is minimal compared to the pain, discomfort, and trauma of the diseases these vaccines prevent. Serious side effects following vaccination, such as severe allergic reaction, are very rare. The disease-prevention benefits of getting vaccines are much greater than the possible side effects for almost all children.

Immunization protects others you care about. Children in the U.S. still get vaccine-preventable diseases. In fact, we have seen resurgences of measles and whooping cough (pertussis) over the past few years. Since 2010, there have been between 10,000 and 50,000 cases of whooping cough each year in the United States. About 10 to 20 babies, many of whom were too young to be fully vaccinated, died each year. While some babies are too young to be protected by vaccination, others may not be able to receive certain vaccinations due to severe allergies, weakened immune systems from conditions like leukemia, or other reasons. To help keep them safe, it is important that you and your children who can get vaccinated are fully immunized. This not only protects your family, but also helps prevent the spread of these diseases to your friends and loved ones.

Immunizations can save your family time and money. A child with a vaccine-preventable disease can be denied attendance at schools or childcare facilities. Some vaccine-preventable diseases can result in prolonged disabilities and can take a financial toll because of lost time at work, medical bills or long-term disability care. In contrast, getting vaccinated against these diseases is a good investment and usually covered by insurance. The Vaccines for Children program is a federally funded program that provides vaccines at no cost to children from low-income families.

Immunization protects future generations. Vaccines have reduced and, in some cases, eliminated many diseases that killed or severely disabled people just a few generations ago. For example, smallpox vaccination eradicated that disease worldwide. Your children don't have to get smallpox shots anymore because the disease no longer exists. By vaccinating children against rubella (German measles), the risk that pregnant women will pass this virus on to their fetus or newborn has been dramatically decreased, and birth defects associated with that virus no longer are seen in the United States. If we continue vaccinating now, and vaccinating completely, parents in the future may be able to trust that some diseases of today will no longer be around to harm their children in the future.

Many children missed check-ups and recommended childhood vaccinations over the past few years. CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend children catch up on routine childhood vaccinations and get back on track for school, childcare, and beyond.

Well-Child Visits and Recommended Vaccinations Are Essential

Well-child visits and recommended vaccinations are essential and help make sure children stay healthy. Children who are not protected by vaccines are more likely to get diseases like measles and whooping cough. These diseases are extremely contagious and can be very serious, especially for babies and young children. In recent years, there have been outbreaks of these diseases, especially in communities with low vaccination rates.

Well-child visits are essential for many reasons, including:

• Tracking growth and developmental milestones
• Discussing any concerns about your child’s health
• Getting scheduled vaccinations to prevent illnesses like measles and whooping cough (pertussis) and other serious diseases

Routine vaccinations protect against these 14 diseases:

1. Polio

Polio is a crippling and potentially deadly infectious disease that is caused by poliovirus. The virus spreads from person to person and can invade an infected person’s brain and spinal cord, causing paralysis. Polio was eliminated in the United States with vaccination, and continued use of polio vaccine has kept this country polio-free. But, polio is still a threat in some other countries. Making sure that infants and children are vaccinated is the best way to prevent polio from returning. Make sure your baby is protected with the polio vaccine.

When to vaccinate against polio

Doctors recommend that your child get four doses of the polio vaccine (also called IPV). Your child will need one dose at each of the following ages:

• 1-2 months
• 4 months
• 12-23 months
• 4-6 years

2. Tetanus

Tetanus causes painful muscle stiffness and lockjaw and can be fatal. Parents used to warn kids about tetanus every time we scratched, scraped, poked, or sliced ourselves on something metal. Nowadays, the tetanus vaccine is part of a disease-fighting vaccine called DTaP, which provides protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).

When to vaccinate against tetanus

Doctors recommend that your child get five doses of the DTaP vaccine. Your child will need one dose at each of the following ages:

• 1-2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months
• 12-23 months
• 4-6 years

3. The Flu (Influenza)

Flu is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. Flu can affect people differently based on their immune system, age, and health. Did you know that flu can be dangerous for children of any age? Flu symptoms in children can include coughing, fever, aches, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea. Every year in the United States, otherwise healthy children are hospitalized or die from flu complications. CDC estimates that since 2010, flu-related hospitalizations among children younger than 5 years have ranged from 7,000 to 26,000 in the United States. It’s important to know that children younger than 6 months are more likely to end up in the hospital from flu, but are too young to get a flu vaccine. The best way to protect babies against flu is for the mother to get a flu vaccine during pregnancy and for all caregivers and close contacts of the infant to be vaccinated. Everyone 6 months and older needs a flu vaccine every year.

When to vaccinate against the flu

Doctors recommend that your child get the flu vaccine every year starting when they are 6 months old.

Children younger than 9 years old who are getting vaccinated for the first time need two doses of flu vaccine, spaced at least 28 days apart.

4. Hepatitis B

Did you know that worldwide more than 780,000 people per year die from complications to Hepatitis B? Hepatitis B is spread through blood or other bodily fluids. It’s especially dangerous for babies, since the hepatitis B virus can spread from an infected mother to child during birth. About nine out of every 10 infants who contract it from their mothers become chronically infected, which is why babies should get the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine shortly after birth. All pregnant women should be tested and all babies should be vaccinated.

When to vaccinate against hepatitis B

Doctors recommend that your child get three doses of the Hepatitis B shot for best protection. Typically, your child will need one dose at each of the following ages:

• shortly after birth
• 1-2 months
• 6 months

5. Hepatitis A

The Hepatitis A vaccine was developed in 1995 and since then has cut the number of cases dramatically in the United States. Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease and is transmitted through person-to-person contact or through contaminated food and water. Vaccinating against hepatitis A is a good way to help your baby stay Hep A-free and healthy!

When to vaccinate against hepatitis A

Doctors recommend that your child get two doses of the hepatitis A vaccine. Your child will need one dose at each of the following ages:

• 12-23 months
• 6 months after last dose

6. Rubella

Rubella is spread by coughing and sneezing. It is especially dangerous for a pregnant woman and her developing baby. If an unvaccinated pregnant woman gets infected with rubella, she can have a miscarriage or her baby could die just after birth. Also, she can pass the disease to her developing baby who can develop serious birth defects. Make sure you and your child are protected from rubella by getting vaccinated on schedule.

When to vaccinate against rubella

Doctors recommend that your child get two shots of the MMR vaccine. Your child should get one dose at each of the following ages:

• 12-23 months
• 4-6 years

7. Hib

Hib (or its official name, Haemophilus influenzae type b) isn’t as well-known as some of the other diseases, thanks to vaccines. Hib can do some serious damage to a child’s immune systems and cause brain damage, hearing loss, or even death. Hib mostly affects kids under five years old. Before the vaccine, over 20,000 kids were infected each year. That’s about 400 yellow school busses worth of kids! Of these kids, one in five suffered brain damage or became deaf. Even with treatment, as many as one out of 20 kids with Hib meningitis dies. Get your child vaccinated to help them beat the odds!

When to vaccinate against Hib

Doctors recommend that your child get four doses of the Hib vaccine. Your child will need one dose at each of the following ages:

• 1-2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months (for some brands)
• 12-23 months

8. Measles

Did you know your child can get measles just by being in a room where a person with measles has been, even up to two hours after that person has left? Measles is very contagious, and it can be serious, especially for young children. Because measles is common in other parts of the world, unvaccinated people can get measles while traveling and bring it into the United States. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk, so make sure to stay up to date on your child’s vaccines.

When to vaccinate against measles

Doctors recommend that your child get two doses of the MMR vaccine. Your child will need one dose at each of the following ages:

• 12-23 months
• 4-6 years

Before traveling abroad, infants 6 to 11 months old should have one dose of the MMR shot. Infants vaccinated before 12 months of age should be revaccinated on or after their first birthday with two doses, each dose separated by at least 28 days.

9. Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious disease that can be deadly for babies. Whooping cough can cause uncontrollable, violent coughing, which often makes it hard to breathe. Its “whooping” name comes from the sharp breath intake sound right after a coughing fit. In babies, this disease also can cause life-threatening pauses in breathing with no cough at all. Whooping cough is especially dangerous to babies who are too young to be vaccinated themselves. Mothers should get the whooping cough vaccine during each pregnancy to pass some protection to their babies before birth. It is very important for your baby to get the whooping cough vaccine on time so he can start building his own protection against the disease. Since 2010, between 15,000 and 50,000 cases of whooping cough were reported each year in the United States, with cases reported in every state.

When to vaccinate against whooping cough

Doctors recommend that your child get five doses of the DTaP vaccine. Your child will need one dose at each of the following ages:

• 1-2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months
• 12-23 months
• 4-6 years

10. Pneumococcal Disease

This disease is caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae. It causes ear infections, sinus infections, pneumonia, and even meningitis, making it very dangerous for children. The germs can invade parts of the body—like the brain or spinal cord—that are normally free from germs. Make sure you keep kids safe from this dangerous disease by vaccinating.

When to vaccinate against pneumococcal disease

Doctors recommend that your child get four doses of a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13 or PCV15). One dose at each of the following ages:

• 1-2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months
• 12-23 months

11. Rotavirus

Rotavirus is contagious and can cause severe watery diarrhea, often with vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain, mostly in infants and young children. Children can become severely dehydrated from the disease and need to be hospitalized. If a dehydrated child does not get needed care, they could die. Rotavirus is one of the first vaccines an infant can get; it’s the best way to protect your child from rotavirus disease.

When to vaccinate against rotavirus

Doctors recommend that your child get two or three doses of the vaccine (depending on the brand).

• 1-2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months (if get the RotaTeq vaccine)

12. Mumps

Mumps is best known for causing puffy cheeks and a swollen jaw. This is due to swelling of the salivary glands. Other symptoms include fever, head and muscle aches, and tiredness. Mumps is a contagious disease and there is no treatment. Mumps is still a threat today—every year, people in the United States get mumps. In recent years, mumps outbreaks have occurred in settings where there was close, extended contact with infected people, such as being in the same classroom or playing on the same sports team. The MMR vaccine protects you and your family against mumps, measles, and rubella.

When to vaccinate against mumps

Doctors recommend that your child get two doses of the MMR shot Your child will need one dose at each of the following ages:

• 12-23 months
• 4-6 years

13. Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a disease that causes an itchy rash of blisters and a fever. A person with chickenpox may have a lot of blisters—as many as 500 all over their body. Chickenpox can be serious and even life-threatening, especially in babies, adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Even healthy children can get really sick. Vaccinating kids at an early age is especially important to keep your children healthy.

When to vaccinate against chickenpox

Doctors recommend that your child get two chickenpox shots. Your child will need one dose at each of the following ages:

• 12-23 months
• 4-6 years

14. Diphtheria

Most of us only know diphtheria as an obscure disease from long ago, thanks to the diphtheria vaccine babies get. This vaccine, called DTaP, provides protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). While preventable, diphtheria does still exist. It can cause a thick covering in the back of the nose or throat that makes it hard to breathe or swallow. Diphtheria can also lead to heart failure, paralysis, and even death. Make sure to vaccinate to help keep this dangerous infection from your kids.

When to vaccinate against diphtheria

Doctors recommend that your child get five doses of the DTaP vaccine. Your child will need one dose at each of the following ages:

• 1-2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months
• 12-23 months
• 4-6 years

It’s important to plan ahead to get the shots required for all countries you and your family plan to visit.

Protect your child and family when traveling in the United States or abroad by:

• Getting the shots required for all countries you and your family plan to visit during your trip
• Making sure you and your family are up-to-date on all routine U.S. vaccines
• Staying informed about travel notices and alerts and how they can affect your family’s travel plans

Avoid getting sick or coming back home and spreading the disease to others.

Vaccinate at least a month before you travel

See your doctor when you start to plan your trip abroad. It’s important to do this well in advance.

• Your body needs time to build up immunity.
• You may need several weeks to get all the doses of the vaccine.
• Your primary doctor may not stock travel vaccines. Visit a travel medical clinic.
• You’ll need time to prepare for your pre-travel appointment.
• If the country you visit requires a yellow fever vaccine, only a limited number of clinics have the vaccine and will probably be some distance from where you live. You must get it at least 10 days before travel.

Find out which vaccines are recommended or required for the countries you plan to visit.

TIP: Save time by getting routine vaccines during the same doctor visit. Use the Vaccine Self-Assessment Tool and discuss the results with your doctor. It tells you which U.S. recommended vaccines you (19 years and older) or your child (birth – 18 years) might need.

Last-minute travelers

When traveling to another country be aware your doctor may not carry a travel vaccine and you may have to visit a medical clinic.

Many travel vaccines require multiple shots or take time to become fully effective. But some multiple-dose vaccines (like hepatitis A) can still give you partial protection after just one dose. Some can also be given on an “accelerated schedule,” meaning doses are given in a shorter period of time.

Read about the vaccines your child is getting.

• Read vaccine materials you received from your child’s healthcare professional and write down any questions you may have.
• Get a list of vaccines your child may need.
• Learn more about the benefits and risks of the vaccines that your child will receive by reviewing the Vaccine Information Statements. You can also request Vaccine Information Statements at the doctor’s office.
• Find your child’s personal immunization record and bring it to your appointment. An up-to-date record tells your doctor exactly what shots your child has already received.

Be ready to support your child during the vaccine visit. Pack your child’s favorite toy, book, or blanket to comfort him or her during vaccinations.

If your child is older and you can have a chat:

• Be honest with your child. Explain that shots can pinch or sting, but that it won’t hurt for long.
• Engage other family members, especially older siblings, to support your child.
• Avoid telling scary stories or making threats about shots.
• Remind your child that vaccines can keep him or her healthy.

Help your child see vaccines as a good thing. Never threaten your child with shots by saying, “If you misbehave I will have the nurse give you a shot.” Instead, remind children that vaccines can keep them healthy.

A mild illness is usually not a reason to reschedule a vaccination visit. Learn more about vaccines when your child is sick.

It’s okay to get vaccinated, even if your child has a mild illness.

Children can still get vaccines – even with a fever or mild illness

Because a mild illness does not affect how well the body responds to a vaccine, your child can still be vaccinated if he or she has:

• A low grade fever
• A cold, runny nose, or cough
• An ear infection (otitis media)
• Mild diarrhea

Doctors at leading health organizations, like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians, recommend that children with mild illnesses receive vaccinations on schedule.

There is no health benefit to waiting to vaccinate your child if he or she has a mild illness. It’s important that children get their vaccines on time so they’re protected against serious diseases.

Vaccines do not make a mild illness worse

Vaccines only have a tiny fraction of the bacteria and viruses that children encounter naturally. Because of this, the immune system can handle getting vaccines and fighting minor illnesses at the same time.

Vaccines do not make symptoms of illness worse. Like any medication, vaccines may cause mild side effects, like a low fever or soreness or swelling where the shot was given. To help with discomfort from these side effects, put a cool, wet washcloth on the sore area or ask your child’s doctor about using pain- or fever-reducing medicine. These side effects are very minor and soon go away.

Children taking antibiotics can get vaccines

Antibiotics will not affect how your child’s body responds to vaccines. Children taking antibiotics for a mild illness should not delay vaccines.

Serious illness may affect the vaccines your child gets

Children with moderate or serious illness—with or without fever—may need to wait until they are better to get some vaccines.

Your child may not receive some vaccines if he or she has:

• A chronic health condition (like cancer)
• A weakened immune system (like if undergoing chemotherapy or taking certain medications after a transplant)
• Had a severe allergic reaction to previous dose of a vaccine or an ingredient in a vaccine

If your child has a serious illness or medical condition, talk to your child’s doctor or nurse. They can help to determine which vaccines your child can and cannot get at each visit and how to best protect your child’s health.

If you have questions about vaccination, ask your child’s doctor or healthcare professional. Your child’s doctor will give you Vaccine Information Statements for the vaccines that your child will be getting that day. Vaccine Information Statements include information about the risks and benefits of each vaccine. If your doctor doesn’t give you one, you can request one.

Make Shots Easier on Your Child

For babies and younger children

• Distract and comfort your child by cuddling, singing, or talking softly.
• Smile and make eye contact with your child. Let your child know that everything is ok.
• Comfort your child with a favorite toy or book. A blanket that smells familiar will help your child feel more comfortable.
• Hold your child firmly on your lap, whenever possible.

Once your child has received all of the shots, be especially supportive. Hold and cuddle your child. A soothing voice, combined with praise and hugs will help reassure the child that everything is okay.

Additionally, babies can be soothed through swaddling, skin-to-skin contact, and breastfeeding. If older than 6 months, babies can also be given a sweet beverage.

For older children and adolescents

• Point out interesting things in the room to help create distractions.
• Tell or read stories.
• Support your child if he or she cries.
• Never scold a child for not “being brave.”
• Take deep breaths with your child to help “blow out” the pain.

Fainting (syncope) can be common among adolescents immediately after getting shots. To help prevent any injuries that could occur from a fall while fainting, your preteen or teen should stay seated for 15 minutes after the shot.

Before you leave the appointment, ask your child’s doctor for advice on using non-aspirin pain reliever and other steps you can take at home to comfort your child.

Remember to schedule your next visit! Stay current with your child’s vaccinations for the best protection against disease.

Parents can hold their child during vaccinations in recommended ways, which may reduce the child’s stress and help healthcare professionals more easily administer shots.

Benefits of holding your child

Parents and caregivers play an important role when children receive vaccines.

A parent’s embrace during vaccination offers several benefits. A comforting hold:

• Safely prevents children from moving their arms and legs during injections
• Avoids frightening children by embracing them rather than overpowering them
• Encourages parents to nurture and comfort their child
• Allows the health care professional steady control of the limb and the injection site

Suggested holds or embraces

Use a different hold depending on the age and size of your child. Please note that the comforting holds shown below are suggestions, not guidelines. Some health care professionals may prefer to use different holds or have the child on the exam table when administering vaccines.

Older Children

If the child is getting a shot in an arm:

1. Hold the child on your lap or have the child stand in front of you as you sit.
2. Embrace your child during the process.
3. Anchor both of the child’s legs between your thighs.

Infants and Toddlers

If your child is getting a shot in a leg, you can:

1. Hold the child on your lap.
2. Place the child’s arm under your armpit and apply gentle pressure with your upper arm for a secure, hug-like hold.
3. Use your lower arm and hand to hold the child’s other arm gently but securely.
4. Anchor the child’s feet firmly between your thighs or hold securely with your other hand.

9 Things You Can Do for You and Your Baby

Learn about simple ways you can support your child before, during and after shots.

Take a moment to read about how you can prepare before your visit, and review any vaccine information provided by your child’s doctor. If you want to do additional research, use CDC’s vaccines for parents web site.

Tasting something sweet can help reduce your little one’s pain response. If your child is two years of age or younger, ask your child’s doctor to give your child a sweet solution of sucrose or glucose one to two minutes before the shot. Even a very small amount can help reduce pain during shots.

Breastfeeding can be a great way to calm and relax your baby, as it can help distract him or her and provide comforting close contact. Additionally, breastmilk has a slight sweetness, which can help reduce your child’s pain during shots.

Ask your child’s doctor for a pain-relieving ointment, which blocks pain signals from the skin. Because the ointment takes time to work, ask about it before your next well-child visit. Or, request a cooling spray (vapocoolant), which is applied on your child’s arm or leg right before the shot. Using an ointment or cooling spray may reduce your and your child’s stress during a well-check visit.

Kids are smart, so take time to explain in simple terms what to expect. Explain that your child may feel a little pinch and it will go away very fast. Use words like “pressure” or “poke” rather than “pain” or “shot.” Even if your baby can’t understand your words, your calm voice will be reassuring. Remain upbeat and relaxed before, during, and especially after shots.

Bring anything your child finds comforting, like a favorite toy, blanket, or book, to help them focus on something pleasant. Make sure to check with your doctor before bringing items into the room with you.

Right before the shot, call your child’s name, sing your child’s favorite song, tell a story, or just act plain silly to pull your child’s attention away from the shot giver. Keep the distraction going after the vaccine is given.

If your child is older, you can take deep breaths with them to help “blow out” the pain. Have them imagine the pain is leaving their mouth as they breathe out. Tell a story or point out interesting things in the room to help create distractions.

Calm young infants by swaddling them. Hugs, cuddles and soft whispers can help soothe older babies after a shot. Your child may have mild reactions, such as pain and swelling where the shot was given or a fever; these are common and will soon go away. Contact your child’s doctor if anything concerns you.

Sometimes children experience mild reactions from shots, such as pain at the injection site, a rash or a fever. These reactions are normal and will soon go away. These tips will help you identify and minimize mild side effects:

• Read the Vaccine Information Sheet(s) your child’s doctor gave you to learn about side effects your child may experience.
• Use a cool, damp cloth to help reduce redness, soreness and/or swelling at in the place where the shot was given.
• Reduce fever with a cool sponge bath.
• Offer liquids more often. It is normal for some children to eat less during the 24 hours after getting vaccines.
• Ask your child’s doctor if you can give your child a non-aspirin pain reliever.
• Pay extra attention to your child for a few days. If you see something that concerns you, call your child’s doctor.

Why you need your child’s vaccine records

It is important to keep your child’s vaccination records (the history of which vaccines they received) up to date and in a safe place. Without documentation, your child might not be allowed to attend school, play sports, or travel abroad. Your child may need their vaccination records later as adults for certain occupations.

Keeping track of records

Keep your child’s vaccination records in a safe place beginning with their first vaccine. Your child’s doctor will keep a record of vaccines given in their clinic. Ask your child’s doctor or nurse how they keep vaccination records and how you can get an official copy. You can also ask your child’s doctor to enter vaccination information in your state’s immunization information system (IIS), a statewide registry for records.

Finding official vaccination records

If you can’t find a copy or do not have your child’s vaccination records, you can try to get an official copy from a few different places.

Your child’s doctor or clinic

Doctors and health clinics keep records of the vaccines they give to your child. Keep in mind that they may save records for only a few years. If your child has gotten vaccines at different locations, you may have to contact each of them to get your child’s records.

Your state’s immunization registry

States and some large cities have secure immunization information systems (IIS) that keep vaccination records for the people in the state or city. However, some people’s records may not be complete. Contact the IIS in your state or the state where your child received their last vaccine to see if they have your child’s records and learn how to request an official copy. Your doctor may also be able to help you get vaccination records from your state’s IIS for vaccines that were given at other locations by other providers.

Your child’s school

Most schools keep vaccination records on file. Schools may keep records for a year or two after a student leaves or graduates. Contact your child’s school for more information.

If you can’t find your child’s vaccine records

If you can’t find the vaccination records, it’s important to stay on the safe side and vaccinate (or revaccinate) your child. It is safe for your child to repeat a vaccine that they received earlier. Sometimes repeat vaccinations may be required for proof of immunizations. Talk to your child’s doctor about how to protect your child.

Alternatively, you can also have your child’s blood tested for antibodies to check immunity for some vaccine preventable diseases. However, these tests aren’t always completely accurate.

Saving your child’s vaccination records

It’s important to keep your child’s vaccination records safe and updated. Schools, summer camps, athletic teams, college, international travel, and more may require vaccination records.

Storing your child’s records

Keep your child’s vaccination records in a safe place where you can easily find them. Some people keep their child’s records with other important documents, such as birth certificates and passports.

Updating your child’s records

Bring your child’s vaccine record to each doctor visit and ask the doctor or nurse to write down the vaccine, date, and dosage. It’s also helpful to write down the name of the doctor’s office or clinic where your child got the shot, so you know where to get the official records from if you misplace the record.