Protect Your Familys Health With Immunizations

Immunizations for Children and Teens

Developed By: Barbara (Bobbi) Clarke, PhD, RD Professor, Extension Health Specialist and Co-director for The University of Tennessee Center for Community-based Health Initiatives
~ Updated 12/03 ~

How Many Shots Does My Child Need and When?

11 vaccine-preventable diseases Total of 24 doses of 7 different vaccines Most delivered by injection (shots) Most given between birth and age 2 Booster shots are needed for some diseasesbetween ages of 4 and 6, and again between ages 11 and 12

Immunizations for Children and Teens

Why Do Children Need So Many Shots?

11 potentially serious vaccine-preventable diseases: Diphtheria Measles Tetanus (lockjaw) Mumps Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Rubella (German Measles) Haemophilus Influenzae Pneumococcal Disease type b (Hib Disease causes Polio bacterial meningitis and other bacterial diseases like Varicella (Chickenpox)
pneumonia)

Hepatitis B

Immunizations for Children and Teens

How Serious Are These Diseases?

Can cause pneumonia, choking, brain damage, heart problems, crippling, liver cancer and blindness. Any of them can kill a child.

Immunizations for Children and Teens

Why Are So Many Vaccines Given at Such a Young Age?

The diseases can strike at a very young age. Some diseases are far more serious or common among babies and young children.

Immunizations for Children and Teens

Why Should I Follow an Immunizations Schedule?

Immunizations work best when given at certain ages. Routine immunization schedule is based on recommendations by experts.

Immunizations for Children and Teens

How to Read the Immunization Schedule

This chart is based on the Immunization schedule recommended by CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Recommended in selected areas for children over 2 years of age. http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/Parents-Guide/pgapp1-sched.pdf

Immunizations for Children and Teens

What Happens if Your Child Misses a Shot?

Can catch up on missed shots Not safe to postpone shots unless child is sick
Most are given by age 2

Immunizations for Children and Teens

What Happens if Your Child Misses a Shot?

(continued)

Without the vaccine, your child is not protected from a specific disease. Talk to your doctor or health department nurse about how to get your child up-todate on his/her immunizations.

Immunizations for Children and Teens

Key Points About Each Vaccine

DTaP Protects against diphtheria (severe infection of the throat and respiratory tract), tetanus (a serious neurological
disorder that may occur from a contaminated wound, also called lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough).

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(continued)

Key Points About Each Vaccine

Hib Protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b (a bacteria that causes
meningitis, pneumonia and skin and throat infections).

Hep B Protects against hepatitis B (liver

infection).

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(continued)

Key Points About Each Vaccine

IPV Protects against polio (a virus that attacks the spinal nerves, causing paralysis). MMR Protects against measles, mumps and rubella (viral infections
characterized by rashes, fever, and potentially serious side effects such as heart damage, pneumonia, infertility, and birth defects when pregnant women are infected).

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Key Points About Each Vaccine

PCV7 Protects against pneumococcal infections including bacterial meningitis (spinal cord & brain), bacteremia (blood), pneumonia (lungs) and otitis media (ear). Varicella Protects against chickenpox
(a viral skin disease).

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Other Immunizations Your Child May Need

Influenza (flu) vaccine Rabies vaccine (only if exposed to rabies) Vaccines unique to other countries
Need to get these in advance before the trip in order to build up immunity against the disease Check out this site for more information about vaccinations before traveling to a foreign country: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/

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Tips for Talking to Your Child About Shots

Do NOT share your fear about shots Explain that shots help keep them from getting sick Tell your child you will be there for him/her Try a distraction just as the shot is given Do NOT say the shot does not hurt - it does! Congratulate your child for being brave Plan something fun or special after the shot to reward his/her bravery
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Are There Immunizations for Teens?

Yes!
Tetanus and diphtheria (Td vaccine) booster at 11- 12 years of age and every 10 years Teens with chronic diseases need protection against the flu and pneumonia Chickenpox vaccine if not vaccinated Hepatitis B vaccine for children ages 8 to 18
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(continued)

Immunizations for Teens

Hepatitis A vaccine may be needed if
Moving to certain states in the U.S. that have a high prevalence of the disease Traveling or working in countries where the disease is common

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(continued)

Immunizations for Teens

One dose (4 weeks apart) of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine at 11 12 years of age and two doses for teens 13 years of age or older Flu shot each year if at high risk for complications from influenza Pneumococcal vaccine if at high risk

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What About College Students?

Meningitis - infection of the fluid of the spinal cord and fluid that surrounds the brain Meningococcal vaccine
Students and parents should talk to their doctor regarding this vaccine

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Remember
Stick to a schedule for your childs immunizations
2 months 4 months 6 months 4-6 years 11-12 years

Keep a record of your childs immunizations

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Questions?

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