Immunization

Only Immunizations Will ProtectYour Little One From The Diseases Parents Fear Most

• polio
• whooping cough
• mumps
• hepatitis B
• hib meningitis
• tetanus (lockjaw)
• rubella
• chickenpox
• diphtheria
• measles

These dangerous diseases can make your child very ill. They cause brain damage or death. To protect your child, get baby shots and boosters on time, every time.

What you can do:

1. Start your baby's shots on time.

2. Make sure your child stays on schedule. (See page 2)

3. Take your child's Immunization Record with you each time you visit your doctor or clinic. Ask them when the next shots are due.

5. Carefully read the information you receive about the shots.

6. When your child is receiving an immunization, you can provide comfort by:

• Staying calm yourself.

• Talking in a soothing voice or singing.

• Holding your child.

• Bringing a familiar, comforting object, such as a toy.

• Allowing your child to cry. Crying is a normal way of coping.

Immunize on Time

• 2 Months

• 4 Months

• 6 Months

• 12 Months

• 15 Months

Your doctor or clinic will give you an official record of your child's immunizations.

You will need this important document until your child is an adult. Take it with you on every doctor visit. The doctor or nurse will write in the immunizations they gave and mark when the next ones are due.

California law requires immunizations for school and day care. Immunizations are also required by CalWorks and are reviewed at WIC programs. You will need your record as proof of immunization.

About immunizations:

Immunizations are also called baby shots, boosters, vaccinations, shots, IZ's, or vaccines. Most of them are given as shots, but some are given by dropper into the mouth. Immunizations give protection, but sometimes they make children run a fever or be cranky. Your child's arm or leg may get sore or get a small lump. These are common reactions. Ask your doctor or nurse about reactions.

Childhood Immunization Checklist

at this age your child should get

2 months

Polio (#1)
Hepatitis B (#1) - Some infants get their first
shot at birth.
DTaP (#1) - Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
Hib Meningitis (#1)

4 months

Polio (#2)
Hepatitis B (#2)
DTaP (#2)
Hib Meningitis (#2)

6 months

Hepatitis B (#3)
DTaP (#3)
Hib Meningitis

12 months

Polio (#3)
MMR (#1) - Measles, mumps, and rubella
Chickenpox
Hib Meningitis

15 months

DTaP (#4)

School Boosters
Before kindergarten
Entry

Polio (#4)
DTaP (#5)
MMR (#2)

Preteens
Before 7th Grade

Hepatitis B (#1, #2, #3, unless given earlier) MMR (#2, unless given earlier) Tcl (first adult Td booster) Chickenpox (unless child had the disease or the shot)

Teenagers

Immunizations listed for preteens unless they already have received them.

California Kids • Love Them • Immunize Them

This information is provided by the State of California, Health & Welfare Agency and Department of Health Services Immunization Branch.

Brought to you by The California Children & Families Commission. Funded by Prop. 10. For more information please call (800) KIDS-025.