As parents, we all want our children to grow up healthy and free from the effects of serious disease. One of the easiest and most effective steps we can take to help achieve this goal is to make sure that our children receive all the recommended childhood immunizations.

The Illinois Department of Public Health strongly recommends immunizing all healthy children against the 10 vaccine-preventable childhood diseases. Illinois has laws requiring vaccination against some of these diseases before children can enter school. Children who are immunized are not the only ones to benefit from the protection these vaccinations give. Immunizations also contribute to the well-being of everyone by reducing the chance for diseases to spread.

Why should my child be immunized?

Children need immunizations (shots) to protect them from dangerous childhood diseases. These diseases have serious complications and can even kill children.

Newborn babies have antibodies from their mothers and are immune to many diseases. However, this immunity does not last and quickly wears off in the first year of life. By immunizing children at the recommended times, you give their immune systems a chance to make protective antibodies that help fight against disease and illness. Children who are not immunized run the risk of being exposed to germs too strong for them to fight.

Are these diseases very serious?

Today we might not think of these diseases as being very serious because, thanks to vaccines, we don't see them as often as we used to. But the fact is they still exist and may lead to pneumonia, choking, brain damage, heart problems, blindness and death in children who are not protected.

What diseases do vaccines prevent?

Immunizations protect children against —

• Diphtheria
• Tetanus (Lockjaw)
• Pertussis (Whooping cough)
• Polio
• Measles
• Mumps
• Rubella (German measles)
• Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib)
• Hepatitis B
• Varicella (Chickenpox)

How many shots does my child need?

The following vaccinations are recommended by age 2 and can be given in five visits to a doctor or public health clinic:

• 1 vaccination against measles/mumps/rubella (MMR)
• 4 vaccinations against Hib
• 3 vaccinations against polio
• 4 vaccinations against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP)
• 3 vaccinations against hepatitis B
• 1 vaccination against varicella

When should my child receive immunizations?

Immunizations are given at birth, and then at 2, 4, 6 and 12-18 months of age. Booster doses of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP), polio, and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) are needed again between ages 4 and 6. The first measles vaccine must be given on or after the first birthday. Check with your doctor or health care provider.

Can my child receive many vaccinations at the same time?

Vaccines are as useful when combined with other vaccines as they are alone and carry no greater risk for harmful side effects. In addition to being safe, there are two reasons for giving children multiple vaccinations during the same visit. First, we want to immunize children early to protect them at a time when they are more likely to become sick. Second, giving several vaccinations at one time means fewer trips to your health care provider and may be less traumatic for your child.

Can my child be immunized if he or she is sick?

Even if your child has a slight fever, cold or runny nose, upset stomach, ear infection, or is taking antibiotics, he or she can still be immunized safely. There is no greater risk of harmful events when immunizations are given during a minor illness. However, if a fever or other symptoms suggest a moderate or serious illness, your child should not be vaccinated until the symptoms improve.

Are the vaccines safe?

Yes, very safe. But, like any medicine, they can occasionally cause mild reactions — for example, a slight fever, a sore arm or a mild rash — that don't last long. Serious reactions are rare, but they can happen. Overall, vaccines are among our safest and most effective medicines, and most medical experts agree that, for almost all children, the benefits of complete immunization far outweigh the risks. There are rare circumstances under which a child should not receive certain vaccines, or should have vaccinations delayed. Your doctor will discuss these circumstances with you before giving the shots.

What do I do if my child has a serious reaction?

If you think your child is experiencing a persistent or severe reaction, call your doctor or get the child to a doctor right away. Write down what happened and the date and time it happened. Ask your doctor, nurse or health department to file a "Vaccine Adverse Event Report" form or call 1-800-338-2382.

Why can't I wait until school to have my child immunized?

Immunizations need to begin at birth; most vaccinations are completed by age 2. By immunizing on time, you can protect your child from being infected and prevent the infection of others at school or at day care centers. Children under 5 years of age are especially susceptible to disease because their immune systems have not built up the necessary defenses to fight infection.

What if my child didn't get his or her shots when they were supposed to or they have gotten behind schedule?

Although it is important to immunize on time, it is never too late to start getting immunizations. If your child has had some of her shots and then gotten behind schedule, she doesn't have to start over. The shots already given will count. Simply continue the schedule where your health care provider left off.

What will happen if my child doesn't get the shots?

Maybe nothing, if your child is never exposed to disease. But children are often exposed to diseases. All but one of these diseases (tetanus) are spread easily from person to person. If your child has not had her shots and she is around someone who has measles, whooping cough or one of the other childhood diseases, she will probably get sick, too.

Is it important to keep a record of my child's immunizations?

An immunization record helps you and your health care provider keep your child on schedule by reminding you when his next immunizations are due. A record should be started when your child gets his first shot and updated each time he receives an immunization. This information will be helpful if you move or change health care providers, and will be needed when your child starts day care or school. Your child's immunization record should be treated like a birth certificate or any other important paper, stored in a safe place where you can find it easily.

Are immunizations costly?

The Illinois Vaccines for Children Plus (VFC Plus) program provides free vaccines to needy children and to children of parents who do not have insurance that covers the cost of immunizations. Local health departments also can provide vaccinations for children at no cost or very low cost and will not deny childhood vaccinations for those who cannot pay.

Where can I get more information?

You can call the state of Illinois' Help Me Grow helpline at 1-800-323-GROW (voice and TTY) for additional immunization information.