Immunizations can save your child's life.  Because of advances in medical science, your child can be protected against more disease than ever before.  Some diseases that once in injured or killed thousands of children are no longer common in the U.S. - primarily due to safe and effective vaccines.

Immunizations are very safe and effective.  Vaccines are only given to children after careful review by scientists, doctors, and healthcare professionals.  Vaccine side effects are almost always mild, with serious side effects being very rare.  The disease-prevention benefits of getting vaccinated are much greater than the possible side effects for almost all children.

Immunizations can save your family time and money.  A child with a vaccine preventable disease can be denied attendance at schools or daycare facilities.  Some vaccine-preventable diseases can result in prolonged disabilities and can take a financial toll because of lost time at work, medical bills, or long-term disability care.  Getting vaccinated is a good investment and is usually covered by insurance.

Immunizations can protect others you care about.  Children in the U.S. still get vaccine-preventable diseases.  In fact, we have seen a resurgence of measles just this year.  From January 1 thru July 18, 2019, there have been 1,148 cases of measles in 30 states.  While some children are too young to be protected by vaccination, others may not be able to receive certain vaccinations due to severe allergies or weakened immune systems.  To help keep them safe, it is important that you and your children who are able to get vaccinated are fully immunized.  This not only protects your family, but also helps prevent the spread of these diseases to your friends and loved ones.

Immunizations protects future generations.  Vaccines have reduced, and in some cases (like smallpox), eliminated many diseases that killed or severely disabled people generations ago.  If we continue vaccinating, parents may be able to trust that some diseases of today will no longer be around to harm their children in the future.

For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines