Diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus are serious illnesses. A combination vaccine is given to babies and children to provide protection against all 3 diseases.
The MMR vaccine is given in 2 doses--at 12 to 15 months and at 4 to 6 years, or at least 1 month after the first dose.
The poliovirus destroys the nervous system, causing paralysis. Today, polio is extremely rare in the United States because of the polio vaccine. It's still common in other countries, though, so children still need to be immunized.
Haemophilus influenzae type b is a serious bacterial disease that usually strikes children younger than 5. It is spread from person-to-person by coughing and sneezing.
Chickenpox is a common childhood disease that causes an itchy, blistering rash and is easily spread to others.
Pneumococcus bacteria can cause serious illness in children, including pneumonia, infection in the blood, and meningitis.
An infant or young child who contracts hepatitis B is at greater risk of staying infected with the virus and of having lifelong liver problems, such as scarring of the liver and liver cancer.
Your little one will need several immunization shots to help protect them from several childhood diseases, some of which can be deadly. Read on for helpful advice on which shots they need and when--and what to do if they have a minor reaction.
Where can you as a parent turn to for the facts about vaccine safety? The first place to go is your child's healthcare provider.