Vaccines are the best way to protect the health of our children. Before vaccines, many children died from diseases like measles, pertussis (whooping cough), and Haemophilus influenzae. Vaccines now prevent those diseases and many others.
The viruses and bacteria that cause these diseases still exist. Some of these diseases make children very sick. Some are deadly, especially for young children. That’s why it’s important that every child gets the vaccines they need on time.
No matter the age of your children, vaccines are one of the best ways you can protect them.
Vaccines give us immunity, or protection, against diseases. When most people are immune, the disease has less chance to spread. This is called community immunity, or herd immunity. The more people who are immune, the better the protection. That’s why your child’s vaccine can help protect others in the community.
Vaccine schedules show when and how often we should get vaccines for the best protection. The country’s top doctors, public health professionals, and scientists design a vaccine schedule to ensure it is safe and effective. It’s based on:
Your child should receive vaccines during six different appointments in the first year of life! They need several vaccines between ages 1 and 2.
Then your child needs to see the doctor at least once a year between ages two and 19. This ensures your little one is protected from 14 serious diseases at exactly the right time.
All children ages 6 months and older need to get COVID-19 vaccines. COVID-19 can make children and teens of any age very sick. Getting the vaccine can prevent your child from COVID-19 sickness and complications.
See the vaccine schedules for children at different ages below. You can also use the Childhood Vaccine Assessment Tool to see which vaccines your child needs.
Infants and young children are especially vulnerable to infections. That is why it is so important to get your children the vaccines they need on time.
Are your children’s vaccines up to date? It’s easy to find out. Call your child’s doctor to ask. Or look up the records yourself on the Wisconsin Immunization Registry.
If your child has missed any vaccines, schedule an appointment to get them caught up. Children’s immunity fades over time. They need extra doses of some vaccines. These vaccine boosters ensure the best protection for your child.
Your baby’s immune system isn’t fully developed at birth. This puts your baby at risk for infection.
Children are exposed to thousands of germs every day. Without vaccines, your child is at risk for serious illness, even death, from diseases caused by these germs.
Children need vaccines to strengthen their immune systems (the body’s way of fighting germs and preventing disease). Vaccines work with the body’s natural defenses to help safely protect us.
During your child’s first two years of life, they need vaccines to protect against many illnesses. These include hepatitis B, chickenpox, whooping cough, measles, and more.
Every year in the early fall, children 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine.
For a complete list of all the vaccines your child needs, see the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Vaccine Schedule.
Consider getting the Text4Baby mobile app. This free service helps you keep track of vaccines and appointments. It also sends helpful tips on self-care and other topics.
State law requires children to get certain vaccines to attend day care centers and schools. See the list of vaccines in the Student Immunization Law Age/Grade Requirements, P-44021. (PDF)
Vaccines are important for preteens. Vaccines protect them from diseases they can get today. Vaccines also protect them from illnesses they can develop in the future.
Preteens need protection with four vaccines:
Check out an easy-to-read vaccine schedule for children ages 7 to 18 from the CDC. This schedule also shows how to get your child caught up on vaccines they missed. Talk with your child’s doctor.
Your older teens need vaccines, too. Immunity from vaccines we get as young children wears off. Make an appointment with your teen’s doctor today. That will ensure they’re fully protected against diseases that can be prevented with vaccines.
Teaching teens to make regular health check-ups creates healthy habits for life! Don’t forget that every year in early fall, everyone 6 months of age and older needs a flu shot.
The CDC recommends teenagers get protection with these vaccines:
Learn more on CDC’s an easy-to-read vaccine schedule for children ages 7–18.
There are simple ways to comfort your child.
Gently remind your child that the vaccine will prevent an illness that would be much worse than a shot.
If your child is afraid of needles, you may be able to get certain vaccines without needles. A few vaccines are available in a nasal spray. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about your options.
If a shot is required, your child can try these ways to stay calm:
Vaccines are some of the safest medical products available, although there are risks with any medical product. Vaccines are our best defense against diseases. Some diseases cause short-term illness, and some diseases are deadly.
Visit the CDC website to learn more about:
The most common side effects are soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site. Sometimes the vaccine will cause a low-grade fever. Learn more from the CDC on Understanding Adverse Events and Side Effects.
Vaccine Ingredients help make the vaccines work better. For example, thimerosal is added to some vaccines to protect the vial from bacteria and fungus. Thimerosal leaves the body quickly, so it doesn’t build up or cause harm. The CDC offers details about Thimerosal and Vaccines.
Learn more from the CDC on What’s in Vaccines.
To understand how vaccines are developed, read the Journey of Your Child’s Vaccine.
The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration monitor approved vaccines in several ways:
Vaccines are offered in many pharmacies, doctor’s offices, and health departments. Check in advance if they have the vaccines you need. If you have health insurance, call your doctor’s office, pharmacy, or health insurance company. They can tell you where you can get vaccines and how much it will cost.
Visit vaccines.gov or call 211 to find flu and COVID-19 vaccine locations near you.
Most private health insurance plans cover vaccines at no extra cost to you. Medicaid also pays for many vaccines. Call your insurance provider to ask what’s covered under your plan. If you want to get health insurance, see our webpage on finding and choosing insurance.
If you’re concerned about the cost of vaccines, you may be eligible for free vaccines through our Vaccines For Children program.
Some locations offer vaccines at low or no cost. Lower cost vaccines may be available at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Rural Health Clinic (RHC) or your local health department. Make sure to check ahead of time which vaccines are available and how much they would cost.
