Vaccines give parents the safe, proven power to protect their children from 14 serious diseases before they turn 2 years old. Every dose of vaccine is important to protect against infectious diseases like the flu, measles and whooping cough (pertussis) that can be life threatening for newborns and young babies. You can
provide the best protection by following the recommended immunization schedule – giving your baby every vaccine she needs, when she needs it – and by making sure those who will be around your baby are vaccinated, too.
Pregnancy is a great time to plan for your baby’s immunizations – and to make sure you have the vaccines you need to protect yourself and pass protection from some diseases to your baby during the first few months of life. In addition to the vaccines recommended for adults, pregnant women need to have a flu shot
every year, and the Tdap vaccine during every pregnancy to protect against whooping cough.
Following the recommended schedule protects as many children as possible, before they are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases.
Depending on the vaccine, more than one dose is needed to build high enough immunity to prevent disease, boost immunity that fades over time, help to make sure people who did not get immunity from a first dose are protected, or protect against germs that change over time, such as the flu.
Every dose of a vaccine is important because they all protect against infectious diseases that are threats today. These diseases can be especially serious for infants and very young children.
Children do not receive any known benefits from following schedules that delay vaccines. Delaying vaccines puts children at known risk of becoming ill with vaccine-preventable diseases.
Health care professionals are parents’ most trusted source of information about vaccines for their children. Parents are encouraged to talk to their health care professionals about their vaccine-related questions and concerns.
Parents who want more information about vaccines can learn more at CDC’s vaccine website for parents.
Vaccines are thoroughly tested before licensing and carefully monitored after they are licensed to ensure that they are safe.
Vaccines are among the safest and most cost-effective ways to prevent disease. They not only protect vaccinated individuals but also help protect entire communities by preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases.
Currently, the U.S. has the safest, most effective vaccine supply in its history. The country’s longstanding and effective vaccine safety system ensures that vaccines are as safe as possible.