Keep Your Baby Healthy: Childhood Immunizations

By Megan Butler, Pharm.D. Candidate 2010, Jennifer Dress, Pharm.D. Candidate 2010, Brian Taylor, Pharm.D. Candidate 2010, and Tricia M. Russell, Pharm.D., BCPS, CDE, Wilkes University, Nesbitt School of Pharmacy and Nursing

It is extremely important to keep your child up-to-date with their vaccinations, also known as immunizations, to stay as healthy as possible. Always remember to record your children’s vaccinations in a record card or book. Keep this record in your purse or diaper bag – that way you’ll remember to take it to your baby’s doctor visits. Keep this record in a safe place, as your child will need this as they grow into adulthood.

Are Vaccines Safe For Your Child?
In general, vaccines are a safe and effective way of limiting the contraction and spread of illness among children.
•    Vaccines are tested and monitored for safety by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Once in use, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the FDA continue to monitor vaccine side effects.
•    One specific concern is that vaccines cause autism. No definite link has been found between receiving a vaccine and autism.
•    Some believe being sick means they cannot get vaccinated. Most children, who have a mild, common illness (e.g., common cold), can be vaccinated. Always talk with your child’s physician about any specific concerns you may have.

What Are the Side Effects of Vaccines?
It is important to know that every child is different and may experience different effects from receiving a vaccine.

In most cases, vaccines are effective and do not cause side effects.  If a reaction does occur it is usually minor, such as fever or soreness at the injection site.  This does not require any further follow-up by a health-care provider.

Be sure to let your child’s physician know of any health problems or allergies to medications or food before getting vaccinated, as this may help prevent any allergic reactions or side effects from occurring.

Additional Tips for Preventing the Spread of Infection
•    Get vaccinated
•    Wash hands frequently with soap and water
•    Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when not able to wash hands
•    Clean toys and kitchen surfaces frequently
•    Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
•    Do not share personal items

Where Can I Find More Information on Vaccines?
Vaccine schedules change yearly with potential updates throughout the year. Updated vaccine schedules along with additional patient information on vaccines can be found at the following websites:

-- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:  CDC.gov/vaccines
-- Immunization Action Coalition:  vaccineinformation.org
-- American Academy of Pediatrics: aap.org
 -- Pennsylvania Department of Health - Health Services and Resources: Under “Immunizations” tab on left, click on “School Children Immunizations” or other interested tabs: portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/immunizations

Be sure to check out these printable docs too:

--- Immunization Schedule: Ages 0-6 Years (PDF)
--- Lifetime Immunization Record (PDF)
--- Immunization Record Card (PDF) in English or Spanish