How do vaccines work?

When your child receives an immunization, they are actually receiving a small dose of a dead or weak disease germ.  Your child's body senses these invaders and creates antibodies - which destroy the small dose of disease.  These antibodies stay in your child's body - and will be ready to provide a defense if your child is exposed to the "real" disease.  This protection is called immunity.   Vaccines help your child develop immunity before they are exposed to a strong form of the disease.

What diseases are being preventing by getting my child vaccinated?

By getting your child vaccinated, you are protecting them from these illnesses:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Rotavirus
• Diphtheria
• Tetanus (lock-jaw)
• Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
• Polio
• Influenze (the Flu)
• Measles
• Mumps
• Rubella
• Varicella
• Meningococcal

Click Here! for more information on these Diseases Prevented by Vaccines.

What side effects can I expect to see when I immunize my child?

Depending on which vaccine your child receives, you can expect some mild discomfort, low-grade (slight) fever, rash, and soreness around the site of injection. Your heath care provider can inform you on vaccine specific side effects. If your child experiences a severe reaction, please contact your health care provider immediately. They may want to file a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) form. You can contact them by calling their toll-free number: 1-800-822-7967.  Or you can visit their website at : www.vaers.org