Why immunize? 

Most parents today have thankfully never seen the terrible consequences of some of the truly awful diseases that used to affect babies worldwide. That’s because a series of shots (or vaccines) have been successful at eliminating or significantly controlling diseases that would otherwise be very harmful. 

It’s important that you protect your baby, because outbreaks of these diseases—though rare—can still occur, especially if children go without the vaccinations. These diseases can be serious and even life-threatening, especially in babies. Vaccinations can shield your baby and give you one less thing to worry about. 

Vaccines reduce the risk of infection by working with the body to safely develop immunity to diseases. When germs, such as bacteria or viruses come into the body, the immune system fights the infection and leaves a supply of cells that can recognize and fight that disease in the future. Vaccines pretend to be an infection, stimulating the immune system, so the body can recognize and fight the vaccine-preventable disease in the future. 

The side effects associated with getting vaccines are almost always mild (such as redness and swelling where the shot was given) and go away within a few days. Pay extra attention to your child for a few days after vaccination. If you see something that concerns you, call your child’s provider. 

Visit the CDC to see a chart of the recommended immunizations for U.S. babies.