Immunizations (1079)

There's a sure way to prevent baby from getting a serious illness. It's called immunizations or baby shots. All children should receive their baby shots between the time they are born and before they become 2 years old.

Baby shots help protect your child from diseases such as polio, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenza, diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus. There is also a vaccine available to protect your child from chicken pox.

You need to bring baby to your doctor or clinic at birth, at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and between 12 and 18 months of age for his shots. Your doctor knows which shots to give your child, but can't do this unless you get your child to the clinic. In some communities there are places where you can get these shots at no charge if your family does not have medical coverage.

Baby shots do have some risks and side effects, but they are safer than getting the diseases they prevent. If you have questions about shots for your baby, talk to your doctor or nurse.

Remember, make sure your child gets all required immunizations before she’s 2 years old.

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

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