Immunizations

Immunizations (also called vaccinations or shots) are an important part of a child's health and well being. They allow children to resist catching a number of very serious or fatal diseases.

• Without immunizations, children can catch contagious diseases that cause high fevers, severe coughing, choking, breathing problems, seizures, brain damage or even death.
• When children get their immunizations on time, the chances of getting these diseases is very small.
• Immunizations need to be started at birth and the primary series should be completed by the time the child is 2 years old.
• The law in many states, including Texas, will not allow a child to start school until they have been immunized.
• Immunizations are available free or at a very low cost in a number of pediatrician's offices, community health clinics and local health departments.

Immunizations are safe. Reactions may occur, but they are usually mild. Serious reactions are rare. However, if a child gets one of these dangerous childhood diseases, the risks are much greater than those of a serious reaction from an immunization.

For additional information about the vaccines listed above, please visit the National Immunization Program Home Page at www.cdc.gov/nip or call the National Immunization Hotline at 800-232-2522 (English) or 800-232-0233 (Spanish).

Click here to download the Immunization Schedule
(pdf document, 68k)