Are your child’s vaccinations up to date?

August 15, 2025

Vaccines have been used for decades to help teach the body how to fight off dangerous diseases. Extensive research and testing go into every vaccine, making them a safe and highly effective way to protect your family’s health now and in the future.

The use of vaccines over the years has saved millions of lives. Widespread vaccination also helps prevent the spread of disease and protects those who can’t be vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

How vaccines protect children and the community

Vaccinations for young children are especially important. Since their immune systems aren’t fully developed, they have a higher risk of serious illness if infected. Vaccines are one of the most powerful tools available to help keep them safe. According to the CDC, childhood vaccines help prevent 4 million deaths each year, worldwide. By 2030, it’s estimated that more than 50 million deaths can be prevented through vaccination. Vaccine-preventable diseases include polio, mumps, measles, and pneumococcal disease.

Common vaccine concerns and misconceptions

Concern: Vaccines can cause autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Fact: Multiple studies and years of research have shown no link between children receiving vaccines and developing ASD. There is also no research to suggest that any one vaccine ingredient causes ASD, according to the CDC.

Concern: Vaccines can cause sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Fact: The peak risk period for SIDS is between 2 and 4 months old. While young children receive multiple vaccines across their two-and four-month visits, the Institute for Vaccine Safety reports that research has not shown a link between the two. For information on how to reduce the risk of SIDS, visit cdc.gov.

Concern: Vaccines contain toxic ingredients.

Fact: Each vaccine ingredient is individually tested for safety, and each one serves a purpose. In fact, certain ingredients are included to help keep vaccines free of toxins. Rest assured, vaccines only include what is essential to make them safe and effective at building a child’s immunity, per the CDC.

Concern: Children are too young for vaccines.

Fact: Early childhood vaccination has proven to provide the best protection against diseases that once caused serious illness and death in babies, children, and adults. The CDC recommends vaccines for children at specific ages, including birth, so their bodies can build immunity before they interact with these life-threatening diseases.

Misconception: Children can’t get vaccines if they’re sick.

Fact: If your child has a mild illness like a cold, low fever, or ear infection, it is typically okay for them to receive vaccinations as scheduled. However, it’s always best to talk to your child’s doctor.

Misconception: Vaccines are unnecessary while breastfeeding.

Fact: While breast milk helps lower the risk of illnesses like ear infections or colds, it does not protect babies against the dangerous diseases that vaccines target. To get the most protection, breastfed babies should receive their vaccines according to the schedule recommended by the CDC.

When your child should be vaccinated

The vaccination schedule recommended by the CDC ensures vaccines can be as effective as possible. When you review the list of recommended vaccines, keep in mind that certain vaccines can be given in combination with others. These combination vaccines are safe, effective, and cut down on the number of individual shots a child receives. This means they get the same protection with less pain and discomfort.

Tips to calm your child’s nerves

The CDC offers great tips to make shots less stressful for your child.

Do your research: Talk to your child’s doctor and review any vaccine details to get familiar with information like the number of shots being given and possible side effects. Prepare yourself for the visit, so you can prepare your child as best as possible.
Have a sweet treat: Tasting something sweet can actually help reduce a child’s pain response. Consider offering a bit of your child’s favorite sweet treat a minute or two before their shots. For children under two, ask their doctor if they have a sugar or glucose solution you could offer.
Offer a feeding: Nursing or offering a bottle of formula after shots can help calm your baby and provide comfort. Breast milk and formula are also slightly sweet.
Give care and comfort: Hugs, cuddles, and swaddling are all great ways to help young babies calm down after receiving shots.
Ask for pain relief: Your child’s doctor may be able to give you an ointment to apply before their next visit to help reduce pain. They may also have a cooling spray you can use just before your child’s shots.
Be honest and calm: Kids, even toddlers, understand more than we realize. To help them feel more prepared, try explaining in simple terms what will happen at their appointment – like feeling a “poke” or “pressure.” Children often look to grown-ups for how to respond in different situations as well, so try to stay as relaxed as possible.
Bring your child’s favorite things: Having your child’s favorite book, blanket, or stuffed animal close by can help provide comfort and distraction during vaccinations. Check with your child’s doctor beforehand to make sure it’s okay to bring these things along.
Distract your child: Pull your child’s attention away from whoever is giving the shots, so they’re not focused on when the poke is coming. You can tell a story, sing a song, make funny faces, or dance around. Whatever you choose, keep it going after the shot is given to help distract from any discomfort as well.
Take deep breaths: For older kids, try having them take deep breaths to “blow out” the pain. Focusing on breathing helps distract them from the shot or any discomfort.

Maybe you didn’t want to vaccinate initially, or maybe life just got busy. Whatever the case, don’t let it stop you from getting your child vaccinated now. After all, delayed protection is still protection.

At your child’s next well visit, talk to their doctor about which vaccinations they’ve missed and the best way to get caught up. Your health plan covers most, if not all, of these needed vaccinations and can provide additional guidance.