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 Why do children need immunizations?
Children need immunizations (shots) to protect them from dangerous childhood diseases. These diseases can cause serious problems and can even kill children. In these immunizations, sometimes called shots, children get a dose of important vaccine. What diseases do vaccines prevent? - Measles
- Mumps
- Polio
- Rubella (German Measles)
- Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus (lockjaw)
- Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib disease - a major cause of bacterial meningitis)
- Hepatitis B
- Varicella (Chicken Pox)
- Meningitis
- Pneumococcal (causes bacterial meningitis and blood infections)
- Rotavirus
How many shots do children need? The following vaccinations are recommended by age 2 and can be given in five visits to a doctor or clinic: - 4 vaccinations against Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP)
- 4 vaccinations against Hib (a major cause of spinal meningitis)
- 4 vaccinations against Pneumococcal
- 3 vaccinations against Polio
- 3 vaccinations against Hepatitis
- 3 vaccinations against Rotavirus
- 1 vaccination against Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR)
- 1 vaccination against Varicella
Required childhood immunizations for school entry: - 4 or more DTaP
- 3 or more Polio
- 3 Hepatitis B (K-8th grade only)
- 2 MMR
- 1 Varicella*
*The Varicella vaccine requirement is for incoming kindergartners and 1st graders only. Documentation of disease can be substituted. Are the vaccines safe?
Serious reactions to vaccines are very rare, but do occur. However, the risks of serious disease from not vaccinating are far bigger than the risks of serious reaction to the vaccination.
For More Information
Project L.O.V.E. at www.project-love.org 
Related Programs and Services
Columbus Public Health Immunization Program Project L.O.V.E.
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