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Vaccine-preventable disease levels are at or near record lows. However, we cannot take high immunization coverage levels for granted. To continue to protect America's children and adults, we must obtain maximum immunization coverage in all populations, establish effective partnerships, conduct reliable scientific research, implement immunization systems, and ensure vaccine safety.

At birth, infants have protection against certain diseases because antibodies have passed through the placenta from the mother to the unborn child. After birth, breastfed babies get the continued benefits of additional antibodies in breast milk. But in both cases, the protection is only temporary. Immunization (vaccination) is a way of creating immunity to certain diseases by using small amounts of a killed or weakened microorganism that causes the particular disease.
Some parents may hesitate to have their kids vaccinated because they're worried that the children will have serious reactions or may get the illness the vaccine is supposed to prevent. Because the components of vaccines are weakened or killed — and in some cases, only parts of the microorganism are used — they're unlikely to cause any serious illness. Some vaccines may cause mild reactions, such as soreness where the shot was given or fever, but serious reactions are rare. The risks of vaccinations are small compared with the health risks associated with the diseases they're intended to prevent.

The following vaccinations and schedules are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Many of these vaccines are available as combinations to reduce the number of shots a child receives. Your doctor will determine the best vaccinations and schedule for your child.
Recommended Vaccinations:

  • Hepatitis B
  • Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)
  • DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis)
  • Hib (meningitis)
  • IPV (polio)
  • Influenza
  • MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
  • Varicella (chickenpox)
  • MCV4 (bacterial meningitis)
  • Hepatitis A

The following 2009 Immunization Schedules are available in .pdf format from the Childhood Immunization Support Program:

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