Vaccinations Chart

Children get vaccines to protect them from serious childhood diseases. By the time your child is two years old, she should have been vaccinated for measles, mumps, rubella, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, varicella (chicken pox), H. influenzae type B, and pneumococcal bacteria (which can cause meningitis, pneumonia, and serious infections).

Many parents are concerned about their child facing serious reactions to the vaccines. The bottom line: serious reactions to vaccines do occur, but they are extremely rare. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risks of serious disease from not vaccinating a child are far greater than the risks of a serious reaction to the vaccine.

More commonly, some children experience mild side effects that, depending on the vaccine, can include a rash or soreness at the site of the injection or a slight fever. Contact your pediatrician if your child cries constantly for more than three hours; exhibits an unusual, high-pitched cry; is difficult to wake up or very sleepy; is limp or pale; has a temperature above 105 degrees; or has convulsions.