CDC Features

CDC Features

Get the Picture: Childhood Immunizations

You've probably heard that vaccines are one of the best ways to protect your children's health. But maybe you've also heard other things about vaccines, and now you have questions. That's why CDC created this short video — to help answer the real questions parents have about childhood immunizations.

Watch or download the video.
( 6:27 mins)

Thanks to widespread immunization, vaccine-preventable diseases in the U.S. are at some of their lowest levels ever. Most children today will never have to experience serious illnesses that were far more common for earlier generations. But it's extremely important that infants and toddlers continue to get all their recommended vaccinations. Otherwise, these serious, sometimes deadly, diseases can make a comeback.

Like a lot of parents, you might have questions about vaccines. Are they safe? Is there such a thing as too many shots? After all, there's a lot of information out there—in newspapers, on TV, and on the Internet. So CDC created this informal and informative video to help answer some of the tough questions parents have about childhood immunizations. You can download the video or podcast at CDC-TV, or access it on your mobile phone.

The people in this video aren't actors. They're real moms, with real questions about vaccines. Join them as they sit down for a short talk with Dr. Jeanne Santoli. She's a mom, a pediatrician, and deputy director of CDC's Immunization Services Division.

After you watch the video, we invite you to visit CDC's Vaccines and Immunizations Web site, where you'll find a variety of information and resources that can help you make the best decision for your child's health. And be sure to use the Instant Childhood Immunization Scheduler to make sure your child is up-to-date on all his or her vaccinations.

Remember, getting your young child all his or her recommended vaccinations on time is one of the best ways you can protect their health—now, and in the future.