4 reasons to vaccinate your child

Why childhood immunizations are important.

Group of children sitting together laughing

On-time vaccination throughout childhood is important because it helps provide immunity before children are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases. Here are 4 reasons to ensure your child gets their needed vaccines.

Immunizations can save your child’s life

Vaccines help protect children against more diseases than ever before. They strengthen children’s immune systems to help them fight off serious — and sometimes deadly — diseases. Some vaccines, such as the HPV vaccine, can even help to prevent certain cancers. In fact, some diseases that once caused injuries like paralysis and encephalitis or even killed children have been eliminated, and others are close to extinction, thanks to safe and effective vaccines.

Vaccination is safe and effective

Vaccines are only given to children after they are carefully reviewed by scientists, doctors, and health care professionals. While vaccines may result in some discomfort at the injection site, serious side effects are very rare. The benefits of getting vaccines are much greater than the possible side effects for almost all children. If you have questions or concerns, talk to your child’s doctor.

Many immunizations are covered under your preventive care benefits

Your preventive care benefits help to keep your child protected from diseases, illnesses or other health concerns. These benefits cover many of their immunizations at no cost. To see your costs and coverage, please log into your Sharp Health Plan online account.

Immunizations protect future generations

Making sure children are completely vaccinated keeps them protected. By continuing to completely vaccinate children, some diseases that exist today won’t be around to harm children in the future.

Keeping up with vaccines

It’s important to keep up with your child’s vaccine schedule to give them the best protection. Vaccine schedules list recommended shots based on how your child’s immune system responds to vaccines at different ages and how likely they are to be exposed to disease. Download our free preventive care checklists to help keep track of your child’s needed vaccines. When you’re ready to schedule an appointment, contact your child’s doctor’s office.

CHILDREN'S CHECKLIST
(birth to 10 years)

ADOLESCENTS' CHECKLIST
(11 to 17 years)