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| Vaccine Basics |
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Frequently Asked Questions |
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| How do I know when to take my baby, child, preteen, or teen in for shots? |
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| Your healthcare provider should give you a reminder when the next doses are due. If you are not sure, call your clinic or healthcare provider’s office to find out when you should bring your child back. Doses cannot be given too close together or immunity doesn’t have time to build up. On the other hand, you don’t want to delay your child’s shots and get behind schedule because during this time, your child remains unprotected against these diseases. |
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What if I miss an appointment? Does my child have to start the vaccines all over again?
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No. If your child misses some doses, it’s not necessary to start over. Your provider will continue from where he or she left off.
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Isn’t there some way besides vaccination to protect my baby against these diseases?
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No. Breastfeeding offers temporary immunity against some minor infections like colds, but it is not an effective means of protecting a child from the specific diseases preventable by vaccines. Likewise, vitamins don’t protect against the specific bacteria and viruses that cause these serious diseases. Of course, infection usually results in immunity, and some parents think that getting the “natural” disease is preferable to “artificial” vaccination. Some even arrange chickenpox “parties” to ensure their child is infected. However, the price paid for natural disease can include paralysis, retardation, liver cancer, deafness, blindness, or even death. Vaccination is definitely a better choice!
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| What if my child isn’t a baby anymore? Is it too late to get him or her vaccinated? |
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No. Although it’s best to have your child begin vaccinations as a newborn, it’s never too late to start. If your child has not received any, or all, of his or her vaccinations, now is the best time to start.
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How do I keep track of my children's shots?
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Your healthcare provider should give you a personal record card for your child’s vaccinations. If you don’t receive one, ask! Bring the card to all medical appointments. Whenever your child receives a vaccine, make sure the card gets updated. Your child will benefit by retaining an accurate vaccination record throughout his or her life.
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| What if I can’t afford to get my child vaccinated? |
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| Vaccinations are usually free or low cost for children when families can’t afford them. You can call the CDC-INFO Contact Center at (800) 232-4636 or your local health department to find out where to go for affordable vaccinations. Your child’s health depends on it! |
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| Where can adults get vaccinated? |
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| Check with your clinic to see if they administer vaccines. Additionally, your local health department or local hospital may administer influenza, pneumococcal, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and Tdap vaccines. Many pharmacies offer these and other immunizations. Clinics may also be available in shopping malls, grocery stores, senior centers, and other community settings. |
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| I'm an adult, how do I pay for vaccines? |
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| Out-of-pocket immunization costs may vary depending on your insurance coverage. Check with your doctor or clinic and your health insurance plan to determine your costs. For Medicare beneficiaries, both influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations are paid for by Medicare Part B if your healthcare provider accepts the Medicare-approved payment. Shingles vaccine is covered under Medicare Part D. |
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| Do vaccines have side effects? |
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| Vaccines are among the safest medicines available. Some common side effects are a sore arm or fever. There is a very small risk that a serious problems could occur after getting a vaccine. However, the potential risks from the diseases vaccines prevent are much greater than the potential risks associated with the vaccines themselves. |
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| I’m traveling abroad, what vaccinations do I need? |
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| Contact your doctor or your local health department as early as possible to find out which immunizations you may need. Vaccines against certain diseases, such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, yellow fever, and typhoid fever, are recommended for different countries. The time required to receive all immunizations will depend on whether you need one shot or a series of shots. You can also visit the CDC's Travelers' Health Website for up-to-date information on immunization recommendations for international travelers. |
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| Still Have Vaccine Questions? |
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| Content reviewed on May 29, 2013 |
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Immunization Action Coalition • 1573 Selby Avenue, Suite 234 • Saint Paul, MN 55104 |
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tel 651-647-9009 • fax 651-647-9131 |
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The Immunization Action Coalition (IAC), a non-profit organization, works to increase immunization rates and prevent disease by creating and distributing educational materials for health professionals and the public that enhance the delivery of safe and effective immunization services. IAC also facilitates communication about the safety, efficacy, and use of vaccines within the broad immunization community of patients, parents, healthcare organizations, and government health agencies. |
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