Q. How do shots protect my child?
A. Shots, also known as vaccinations or immunizations, can protect your child from many serious diseases. Complications from these diseases may include brain damage, heart problems, breathing problems, lung damage, liver damage, severe skin scarring, arthritis, paralysis, blindness, and even death.
Shots will protect your child from serious diseases such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A, Pertussis (whooping cough), Haemophilus Influenza type B, Influenza, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella (German measles), Meningitis, Pneumonia, Varicella (Chickenpox), Rotavirus, and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
Q. When should my child get his/her shots?
A. Click here for the Recommended Childhood Immunization Schedule. Some shots require more than one dose before your child is protected. Make sure your child is up to date on his/her shots.
Q. What can I expect after my child gets a shot?
A. It is normal for your child to feel a little sick after getting a shot. He/she may have a red or sore arm where the shot was given or develop a slight fever. Serious side effects are extremely rare. If you think your child is experiencing a sever reaction to a shot, call your doctor right away.
Q. Are shots necessary?
A. YES! Shots are given for three reasons:
- To prevent common infections.
- To prevent infections that could easily re-emerge.
- To prevent infections that are common in other parts of the world.
Q. How can I keep my child up to date on his/her shots?
A. Shots are given when a child goes to see the doctor for a regular check-up. It is important to keep all your appointments so your child receives all of the required vaccines on time. If you miss an appointment, call and reschedule a new appointment right away so your child does not fall behind on shots.
Q. How do I keep track of my child's shots?
A. Ask your doctor for a Health and Safety Record and keep it with your important papers. Preschool, school, college, and certain professions throughout life will require written proof of childhood shots. Bring this record with you to all of your child's appointments. Ask your doctor to complete the official Immunization Record page at each visit. Click here to order a free Health and Safety Record.
Q. Do I have to pay for shots?
A. In Rhode Island, doctors and clinics receive vaccines from the state at no cost. Some doctors or clinics may charge a small fee to give the shot to your child. Most health insurance plans in Rhode Island cover the cost of giving the shot to your child.
If you do not have health insurance, you can take your child to one of the two free immunization clinics. Call the HEALTH Information Line at 1.800.942.7434 for immunization clinic locations and hours of operation.
Q. My child has a cold. Can he/she still get a shot?
A. Your child can get a shot even if he/she has a cold or other mild illness.
Q. Are vaccines safe?
A. Vaccines are very safe because they are given to people who are not sick. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hold vaccines to the highest standards of safety. All vaccines have possible side effects, but most side effects are mild, such as pain or tenderness where the shot is given. Serious side effects are extremely rare. Talk to your child's doctor about what to expect, but when you consider the risk of shots versus the risk of disease, shots are the safer choice.
Q. Where can I get more information on vaccine safety?
A. www.cdc.gov/vaccines
www.immunize.org
www.vaccineinformation/org
Q. Where can I get more information about shots in general?
A. For more information about shots and other programs and services to improve the health of children and families, call the HEALTH Information Line at 1-800-942-7434 Monday through Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm, Spanish speakers are available. |
