It’s normal to have questions about vaccines for your child. With so much information available, it can be hard to know what accurate. Here, we answer common questions about childhood vaccines and where you can find more trusted information.

Do Vaccines Cause My Child to Get Sick?

Vaccines contain either inactive, very weak, or only part of the germ that causes a disease. This means they won’t make your child sick but will help their immune system learn how to fight the germ.  

Some children may feel achy, have a mild fever, or get fussy after a vaccine. These are signs their body is building protection. The symptoms are mild compared to the illness the vaccine prevents, which could cause severe sickness or require a hospital visit.

If your child has a weakened immune system, certain vaccines might not be safe. Talk with your child’s doctor to see if any vaccines should be delayed or avoided.

Can My Child Get Multiple Vaccines at Once?

Yes, it’s safe!

Your child might need multiple vaccines during a doctor’s visit, and it is safe to receive them all at once. This won’t harm their immune system. In fact, kids are exposed to many more germs in their daily lives than what they’ll encounter in the vaccines they receive, even when following the recommended schedule.

To help, some vaccines are combined in one shot, reducing the total number of injections your child needs.

Why Do Some Vaccines Require More Doses Than Others?

Vaccines work in different ways, and some need extra doses to fully teach the immune system to fight off a disease.  

These doses have been carefully studied to ensure they provide the best protection and are safe.

Some vaccines also need booster doses later in childhood or adolescence. These remind the immune system to keep up it’s protection.

Why Does my Child Need Vaccines for Diseases That Aren’t Common Anymore?

Diseases like polio and smallpox became rare because children were vaccinated against them! 

When enough people get vaccinated, it slows the spread of the disease. This is called ‘herd immunity’. This helps protect people who can’t get vaccinated, like those with weak immune systems, and babies who have not gotten all their vaccines yet.

But if enough people stop getting vaccinated, these diseases could come back. Vaccinating your child helps protect everyone in the community and keeps these diseases from returning.

Where Can I Find More Information About Vaccines? Many trusted organizations offer fact-based resources on vaccines:

Children’s hospitals

• Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children: Children and Teens – Immunizations and Vaccines
• Nemours KidsHealth: Immunizations
• Nicklaus Children’s Hospital: Kids & Immunization: What you should know about vaccines
• Cook Children’s: Vaccine Resources
• Children’s Health: Health & Wellness Library – Vaccines
• University Children’s Health: Childhood Immunizations

State health services/departments

• Florida Health: Immunizations  
• Texas Health and Human Services: Immunizations  

Health organizations

• HealthChildren.Org: Immunizations

Your child’s doctor office or clinic

We’re Here for You and Your Child 

Imagine Pediatrics is dedicated to improving the health and lives of children with special health care needs. We provide 24/7 virtual and in-home care and support. Our integrated medical, mental, and social care is personalized to meet the needs of your child. We don’t replace your child’s current care team. We work with them to give your child more access to the specialized care they need, whenever they need it. Our services are often at no cost if they are part of your child’s existing health plan benefits. Learn more about us here or call us (833) 208-7770.

Legal Disclaimer 

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals for medical concerns. In case of emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.