Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsVaccine Types and RoutesRecommended VaccinesSchedule at a GlanceVaccine HesitancyCOVID-19 Vaccines for Kids
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Vaccine Types and Routes
Recommended Vaccines
Schedule at a Glance
Vaccine Hesitancy
COVID-19 Vaccines for Kids
Vaccines protect babies and children from potentially life-threatening diseases. Widespread childhood vaccination has reduced or eliminated deadly diseases likepolioandsmallpox.Vaccines currently prevent around 3.5 million to 5 million deaths per year.
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Vaccines trigger your body to produceantibodiesagainst diseases before you’re exposed to them. They can also prevent reinfection. Vaccines work with the body’s naturalimmune systemto make a protective response to harmful antigens (viruses orbacteria).
There are several vaccine types. The four main types used in children’s vaccines include:
The following are the most common immunizations for children in the U.S. and the diseases they prevent:
School RequirementsSchool vaccine requirements are left to the individual states. In addition to medical exemptions, two other vaccine exemptions are possible: religious and philosophical exemptions based on personal beliefs.
School Requirements
School vaccine requirements are left to the individual states. In addition to medical exemptions, two other vaccine exemptions are possible: religious and philosophical exemptions based on personal beliefs.
Child Vaccine Schedule at a Glance
The list ofrecommended vaccinesthat most children between birth and 18 years old need is compiled in the chart below. All of these vaccines are important to a child’s health.
Your child’s healthcare provider is an excellent resource if you have questions about the schedule or which vaccines are most important for your child.
Some caregivers are concerned vaccines are harmful, and some individuals believe vaccines are associated with the development of autism. However, several studies have explored if there is a connection and found no link between vaccines and the development of autism.
Some caregivers worry that vaccines for children haven’t been tested enough. Others are concerned about potential side effects or vaccine reactions.However, vaccines are generally safe and effective. Your child’s best protection against many common but preventable diseases is to follow the recommended immunization schedule.
Vaccine refusal risks a child developing a vaccine-preventable illness. Schools and daycare facilities may also have rules and regulations regarding unvaccinated children. Outbreaks of previously eliminated diseases, such as measles, have occurred due in part to individuals who believevaccines are dangerous.
While most vaccines are safe for most kids, speak with your child’s pediatrician about any concerns you might have—especially if your child isimmunocompromised, has had an organ transplant, or has anysevere allergiesor preexisting conditions.
Vaccine SafetyVaccines are effective and lifesaving. Vaccine-preventable diseases can still appear in the U.S. at any time, and immunization protects your child if they’re exposed.The AAP does not recommend alternative vaccine schedules. Research into the current schedule provides “overwhelming” data that vaccines are safe.
Vaccine Safety
Vaccines are effective and lifesaving. Vaccine-preventable diseases can still appear in the U.S. at any time, and immunization protects your child if they’re exposed.The AAP does not recommend alternative vaccine schedules. Research into the current schedule provides “overwhelming” data that vaccines are safe.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized COVID-19 vaccines for children and recommends one for children 6 months and older. All available vaccines areupdated dosesthat protect against newer variants of the virus.
In its update to the 2023 vaccination schedule, ACIP added COVID-19 vaccination to the schedules for children and adults.How many COVID vaccines your child needs depends on which COVID-19 vaccine they receive and if they have been vaccinated against COVID-19 previously.
Efficacy of the COVID-19 Vaccine for KidsIn a study of around 3,100 children, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was found to be safe and 90.7% effective in preventing COVID-19.
Efficacy of the COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids
In a study of around 3,100 children, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was found to be safe and 90.7% effective in preventing COVID-19.
Summary
Sometimes, life happens, and your childmisses a vaccine. Fortunately, there are catch-up schedules, and your provider has information on how to proceed if a child gets delayed with their vaccinations. Contact your child’s healthcare provider if you have questions about your child’s vaccination schedule.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Five important reasons to vaccinate your child.
World Health Organization.Vaccines and immunization.
World Health Organization.How do vaccines work?
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Vaccine types.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Administer the vaccine(s).
World Health Organization.Poliomyelitis.
National Conference of State Legislatures.States with religious and philosophical exemptions from school immunization requirements.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Your child needs vaccines as they grow!
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Frequently asked questions about autism spectrum disorder.
Hussain A, Ali S, Ahmed M, Hussain S.The anti-vaccination movement: a regression in modern medicine.Cureus. 10(7):e2919. doi: 10.7759/cureus.2919
American Academy of Pediatrics.An important immunization message from the AAP.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines.
Wodi AP, Murthy N, McNally V, Cineas S, Ault K.Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Recommended Immunization Schedule for Children and Adolescents Aged 18 Years or Younger - United States, 2023.MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2023;72(6):137-140. Published 2023 Feb 10. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7206a1
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA authorizes Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use in children 5 through 11 years of age.
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