Vaccines and Preventive Care for Children

Influenza vaccine 

Here are some facts about flu and the flu vaccine:

• Anyone can get the flu.
• The flu is caused by a virus that spreads from people with the flu to the nose or throat of other people without the flu.
• The flu vaccine does not contain live viruses, so you cannot get the flu from the shot.
• The flu vaccine can keep you from getting the flu.
• You can get the flu vaccine at the same time you get other vaccines, such as the pneumonia vaccine.
• The flu vaccine is updated every year because the viruses that cause the flu change.

More information
See Facts about flu.

Preventive care for children up to age 2

Schedule and keep the following well-child appointments:

• 3-5 days
• 1 month
• 2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months
• 9 months
• 12 months
• 15 months
• 18 months
• 24 months

Well-child appointments give the doctor time to do routine screenings and tests your child may need. Your child’s doctor may also give any vaccines your child needs.

Don’t wait to get your child vaccinated. Vaccinations can protect your child from disease. You will also protect others at home or daycare.

Make sure your child gets all recommended shots before age 2. You can find the most up-to-date schedule on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

It's important to:

• Tell the doctor if your child has allergies or if there are any medicines your child cannot take.
• Write down all vaccines your child receives on an immunization record card.
• If you change doctors, make sure the new doctor has a complete list of all vaccines your child has received.

More information
See Guiding Your Child through the Early Years.

Preventive care for preschool and school-age children

Your child won't need to visit the doctor as often now for preventive care – just once a year. But those visits will be important.

Your child still needs other vaccines in the next few years. All of these vaccines protect against serious diseases. Some are "booster shots" to provide longer protection for shots your child already had. Some vaccines are required to attend school.

You can find the most up-to-date vaccine schedule on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Also talk with the doctor about your child's:

• Growth and development
• Behavior and social skills
• Progress in school

This is also your chance to discuss any other concerns you may have. Be sure to keep a record of the new vaccines your child receives.

More information
See Guiding Your Child through the Middle Years. 

Preventive care for preteens

Preteens need immunizations (vaccines) too. Some vaccines require a "booster shot." These shots protect him or her from serious diseases. Talk about vaccines at every visit, including:

• Yearly medical checkups
• Sick visits
• Visits for sport and camp physicals

You can find the most up-to-date schedule on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Make sure your preteen has received all vaccines he or she needs. Checkups are a good time to catch up on any vaccines your child may have missed.

While there, talk to your doctor about:

• Any shots that are needed
• Growth and body changes
• Changes in your child's behavior
• Diet, exercise and Body Mass Index Measurement

More information
See Guiding Your Child through the Adolescent Years.