Newborn babies are immune to many diseases because of antibodies passed from their mothers. But this immunity doesn’t last. Before vaccines, many children died from diseases that vaccines now prevent, such as whooping cough, measles, and polio.

As a parent, you want to do everything you can to keep your baby from getting sick. Vaccines can keep your child healthy and safe.

If a child is not vaccinated and is exposed to a disease, the child’s body may not be strong enough to fight the disease. To be effective, vaccines must be given on a set schedule, beginning during the child’s first two years of life.

Talk to your child’s health care provider for more guidance if:

1. Your child misses a vaccine recommended for their age or if you are not sure.
2. Your child has any medical condition that puts them at higher risk for infection.  
3. Your child is traveling outside the United States.

Your child needs vaccines as they grow! | Vaccines & Immunizations | CDC
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
American Academy of Pediatrics