Infants and Toddlers
Why should infants and young children be vaccinated?
Infants are particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases; that is why it is critical to protect them through immunization. Each day, nearly 12,000 babies are born in the United States who will need to be immunized before age two against 14 vaccine-preventable diseases. Immunizations help prevent the spread of disease and protect infants and toddlers against dangerous complications.
Immunization is one of the most important things a parent can do to protect their children’s health. Today we can protect children from 14 serious diseases. Failure to vaccinate may mean putting children at risk for serious diseases.
Understanding Vaccines and Their Purpose
- How Vaccines Prevent Diseases
Includes illustrations to help you better understand how vaccines protect children from diseases - Understanding How Vaccines Work [474 KB, 2 pages]
Explains how the immune system responds to vaccines to build immunity - Facts for Parents
Learn about 16 childhood diseases that can be prevented with vaccines - 10 Things You Need to Know about Immunizations
- Infant Immunizations FAQs
- Parents’ Guide to Childhood Immunizations
A 64-page booklet introducing parents to the 14 childhood diseases and the vaccines that can protect children from them. - VIDEO: Welcome to parenthood
50 second video. A light-hearted look at the challenges new parents face. - Every Child By Two's campaign, "Vaccinate Your Baby"
addresses vaccine misinformation
Your Baby’s Doctor Visits
- Tips for a Less Stressful Shot Visit
Learn ways you can support your child before, during and after shots. - How to Hold Your Child during Vaccinations
See how a comforting hold can support your child and make the vaccination process less stressful on you and your child. - Well Child Visit Tracker [331 KB, 2 pages]
Easy-to-read schedule of recommended immunizations for children from birth to 6 years, with descriptions of vaccine-preventable diseases on the back side.
Immunization Schedules
- Recommended immunizations for babies (English & Spanish versions)
- Parent Version of Recommended Immunizations for Children from Birth through 6 Years Old [481KB, 2 pages]
- Make your own schedule (birth through six years old)
Customize a version for each child
Parents Who Question Vaccines
- VIDEO: Get the Picture: Childhood Immunizations (6:27)
Answers to tough questions that real moms had about childhood immunizations - Some Common Misconceptions about Vaccination and How to Respond to Them
Six misconceptions that appear in literature about vaccination, along with explanations of why they are misconceptions. - If You Choose Not to Vaccinate Your Child, Understand the Risks and Responsibilities [547 KB, 2 pages]
Outlines possible risks for parents who choose to delay or decline a vaccine; offers steps for parents to take to protect their child, family and others. - Too Many Vaccines?
American Academy of Pediatrics
Campaign Materials
- National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW campaign materials)
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- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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