Vaccines help the immune system learn how to fight germs. Vaccines help your little ones fight off germs that can make them really sick. Every day, kids encounter all sorts of bacteria and viruses – from the playground, to the lunchroom, and even from their own toys! While babies are born with some protection, there are many serious diseases that their bodies need extra help to fight. That’s where vaccines come into play!
So, what exactly are vaccines? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccines use tiny bits of germs called antigens. These antigens teach your child’s immune system how to recognize and battle harmful diseases. Think of it as training for their immune system! By getting vaccinated, your child builds up defenses that will help keep them safe.
Now, you might be wondering about safety. Both the CDC and FDA take great care to make sure vaccines are safe before they are licensed and the public start using them. Before they are licensed, extensive lab testing and clinical studies are done. The process can take years.
Like any medicine, vaccines can have side effects, but most of these are pretty mild. Your child might experience a small fever, a sore arm where they got the shot, or just feel a bit tired. Serious or long-lasting side effects are extremely rare and are tracked and investigated by the CDC. Learn about the safety of individual vaccines at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/vaccines/.
There’s a schedule for when kids should get their vaccines, and it’s designed to protect them at the right times. Keeping up to date with recommended vaccines is one of the best things you can do to protect your child from serious diseases. For the most up-to-date information about childhood vaccine recommendations for parents and caregivers, go to https://www.cdc.gov/caccines/imz-schedules.
Talk with your child’s healthcare provider about recommended vaccines and any concerns you might have.