Immunization

Making the Decision

Vaccines prevent serious diseases and have helped to lower the rates of these diseases in the U.S. By getting vaccinated, individual children receive protection from these diseases.

Vaccines also help to protect communities by slowing or stopping disease outbreaks. This is especially important for children who cannot be vaccinated because they are too young, too sick, or do not respond to vaccines. The following pages provide more information that will help give you peace of mind about the decision to immunize your child.

Why Immunize?

Learn about the history of diseases and how common they are today on this page.

Are Vaccines Safe?

Get answers to common questions about vaccine safety and how vaccines are licensed.

 

Evaluating Web Information

Find out how you can know that immunization information on the Web is from a trusted, valid source.

 

Misconceptions and FAQs

Read about common misconceptions and find answers to frequently asked questions about vaccines, such as how to comfort your child during immunization, locating your child's immunization records, vaccine safety, and more.

 

School Entry Requirements

Research information on state immunization requirements for school entry, immunization exemption laws, and the rationale for immunizing children prior to school entry.

 

Anna's Story

Anna Lincoln, MD, FAAP, is a pediatrician in Buda, Texas, and a mother of three. Her first-born son, Wiley, became dangerously ill with pneumococcal meningitis when he was a baby.