Vaccinations are proven to be safe and effective, and they save lives. To protect public health, the AAFP strongly recommends that patients receive all necessary vaccinations in their primary care physician’s office.
Path to improved well being
Vaccines are important not only for school-aged children, but for babies and young children, pregnant women, teens and pre-teens, and adults.
Each year, the AAFP and the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices collaborate to develop recommendations for the routine use of vaccines in children, adolescents and adults in the United States. Below is a collection of resources from familydoctor.org. You’ll find information on immunization schedules, specific vaccines, and more to help you and your family stay healthy.
Vaccines are safe, effective, and save lives
Check out the following resources to keep you and your family safe from highly preventable diseases and conditions:
- The importance of Vaccinations
- Childhood Vaccines: What they Are and Why Your Child Needs Them
- Immunization Schedules for All Ages
- Preventing the Flu
- Chickenpox Vaccine
- Polio Vaccine
- HPV Vaccine for Preteens and Teens
- Caring for your Premature Baby
- Shingles
- International Travel: Tips for Staying Healthy
- Measles outbreaks
Things to consider
There is proof that childhood vaccines do not cause autism. In fact, the benefits of vaccines outweigh their side effects. Side effects generally include slight pain and tenderness at the site of the injection. The pain can be treated with over-the-counter pain medicine and a cold compress.
Vaccines are required for many activities. Not having the appropriate vaccine can interfere with your plans. These instances include:
- School (K-12 and college dorm life)
- Travel
Talk to your doctor about any health conditions you currently have and the impact of the vaccine on that condition. This may include telling your doctor if you are sick with a cold or flu.
Questions to ask your doctor
- What is the research on vaccines and autism?
- Can I delay a vaccine?
- Can I get a disease after I’ve gotten the vaccine?
- How do I know if I had certain vaccines as a child if I don’t have the records?
- Is my newborn at risk of certain diseases if he or she isn’t old enough to get certain vaccines?
Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Immunization Schedules
Last Updated:
This article was contributed by familydoctor.org editorial staff.
Copyright © American Academy of Family Physicians
This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.
