Vaccinations—important protection for kids and adults

Thanks to vaccinations, many childhood diseases are nearly eradicated. See what's recommended for your child. 

Unless you’re a medical professional, you likely look at a list of vaccinations and don’t recognize the diseases they prevent—things like polio, diphtheria or pertussis. At one time, those ailments were household names. Today they’re rare, thanks in part to vaccinations.

Vaccinations work by helping to build immunity to potentially life-threatening diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, preventable infectious diseases are at an all-time low. Keeping your family’s vaccinations up to date will help continue that trend.

1. Recommended vaccines
2. The CDC has established recommended vaccinations for children at average risk of contracting diseases.

If your child has a weakened immune system, check with his or her pediatrician for recommendations.

Immunizations are safe

Immunizations administered in the United States are safe and approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Just like all products regulated by the FDA, vaccines require a thorough review of lab and clinical data to ensure safety, effectiveness, potency and possible side effects.