Public Health

Healthy Children - Immunizations

When we think "immunizations" most of us think "childhood," but actually, the need for immunizations continues throughout life.

  • Every child should be protected against polio, measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, Haemophilus, influenza type b, and Hepatitis B by the age of two years
  • All adults should receive diphtheria tetanus every ten years
  • Beginning in the fall of 2004, influenza vaccine is recommended annually for children age 6 to 23 months because they are at substantially increased risk for influenza-related hospitalizations. It also is recommended for children age >2 years with certain risk factors.

Children and adults should check with their health care provider to determine if further immunizations are recommended.

What are vaccinations?

Vaccinations protect your child against serious diseases. The word "vaccination" and "immunization" mean the same thing. Vaccinations help protect against measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), Hib disease, and chickenpox. Vaccines can't prevent children from getting minor illnesses like colds, but they can keep children safe from many serious diseases. Without vaccinations, your child could get very sick.

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Are vaccinations safe?

Most vaccinations cause only minor side effects, such as soreness where the shot was given or a slight fever. These side effects do not last long and are treatable. Serious reactions are very rare. Remember, if your child gets one of these dangerous childhood diseases, the risks of the disease are far greater than the risk of a serious vaccine reaction. If you have concerns, talk to your doctor or nurse.

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Kids need most of their immunizations by age 2.

Be sure to keep children up-to-date with their immunizations. Falling behind can leave a child unprotected at an age when children are most likely to get many of these diseases and may suffer severe consequences if they do become ill. Don't put it off. Start shots by 2 months of age. If your child is behind, you CAN get caught up.

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What if I miss an immunization appointment?

Does my baby have to get the shots all over again?

No. If your baby misses some vaccinations, it's not necessary to start over. The immunization schedule can be resumed where it was left off.

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What if my child has a cold, a fever or is taking antibiotics? Can he or she still get vaccinated?

Yes. Your child can be vaccinated if he or she has a mild illness such as a cold, a slight fever, or is taking antibiotics. Talk to your doctor or nurse if you have questions.

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What if I can't afford to get my child vaccinated?

Vaccinations are usually free for children when families can't afford them. Call the National Immunization Information Hotline 1-800-232-2522 or your local or state health department to find out where you can go for vaccinations. Your child's health depends on it!

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Isn't all this talk about disease just a way to scare parents so they'll bring their children for immunizations?

No! Many of these diseases still kill people. From 1989 through 1991, more than 150 people in the United Stated died from measles and thousands more suffered long term health problems. Children in the United States also continue to die from chickenpox. When children get measles, chickenpox, and other diseases that vaccines could have prevented, they can also suffer from brain damage, hearing loss, heart problems and lung damage.

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And here's a friendly reminder for parents!

Adults need immunizations, too! Call your clinic or health department to find out what shots you need or when your next shots are due!

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Immunizations Available:

Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP)

Children should receive five DTaP immunizations – at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15 to 18 months and at 4 to 6 years of age.

Haemophilus influenzae Type B (Hib)

Children should receive four Hib immunizations – at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and 12 to 15 months of age.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)

Children should receive two MMR immunizations – at 12 to 15 months of age and again at 4 to 6 years.

Polio (IPV)

Children should receive four polio immunizations – at 2 months, 4 months, 6 to 18 months and 4 to 6 years of age.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Children need a three-dose series of hepatitis B vaccine (HBV). Infants may begin this series at birth to 2 months of age and should receive a second dose one month later. A booster dose is then given 5 months later. If a child didn't receive a HBV immunization as an infant, he/she should receive a three-dose series of immunizations as soon as possible.

Varicella (Chickenpox)

Children should receive varicella at 12-18 months of age. Older children who have not had chickenpox disease should also receive the vaccine.

Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV)

Children should receive four pneumococcal conjugate immunizations – at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and 12-15 months of age.

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Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule

Up to date information from the Minnesota Department of Health

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Immunization Clinics

If you need immunizations, have no health insurance and are under the age 21, please call Sherburne County Kids Klinic at 763-765-4000 or 1-800-433-5237