As a parent, you want to keep your child healthy and safe.
One of the most important ways you can do this is to get your child immunized.
When kids are little, they get lots of vaccines.
But over time, the protection from some of these vaccines may weaken, so it may need a boost as kids get older.
Getting your child the right booster dose at the right time helps build the body's defenses.
Then if your child is exposed to a disease later on, the body is ready to fight it.
And kids need to get some other vaccines they didn't need when they were little.
These new vaccines protect your older child or teen from diseases they may be exposed to now and as they get older.
Your child could get really sick, and even die, from these diseases if they haven't gotten the vaccines.
Remember, vaccines not only protect your child.
They help keep everyone in your family and community from getting sick too.
Talk with your doctor about which vaccines your child needs and when.
Then follow the schedule.
Keep in mind that lots of things kids will do may require proof that they've been vaccinated, like going to camp, traveling, or going away to school.
Vaccines are very safe and have very few risks.
Study after study has shown that vaccines are the safest and most effective way to protect your child and other people from getting sick or dying.
Remember, the real risk is if your child doesn't get vaccinated.
So do your part to protect your child.
Get your child immunized.
Then follow the vaccine schedule.
You'll be doing everything you can to keep your child healthy and safe.
And you'll feel good knowing that you're also protecting your family and your community.
