A Parent’s Guide to Immunizations
A message brought to you by First 5 Sacramento
Vaccinations boost a child’s immune system and help protect kids from serious infections and diseases. It’s especially important for parents to make sure children under age five receive certain childhood vaccinations to help keep them healthy as their bodies grow and immune systems develop.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccine-preventable diseases are now at or near record lows – thanks to vaccinations. Before vaccines, many children suffered from diseases that vaccines now prevent, such as whooping cough, measles, and polio. Those same germs exist today, but kids are protected by vaccines, so we do not see these diseases as often.
As kids enroll in preschool and kindergarten, First 5 Sacramento provides parents and caregivers answers to frequently asked questions about vaccinations. Remember to also consult with a family doctor for your child’s specific needs.
If your child is in need of health insurance, contact Cover the Kids (CTK) at 1-866-850-4321 to learn about eligible programs. CTK can assist with enrollment and finding a doctor.
When does my child need to be vaccinated?
Pediatricians advise that children receive their first vaccination at birth. Sacramento County Public Health Department or the family doctor can provide you with an immunization schedule and help you decide what is best for your child. Call (916) 875-7468 (SHOT) for information about immunization services. Immunization schedules and guidelines are also available on the California Department of Public Health Web site at www.cdph.ca.gov.
State law requires all children entering kindergarten to have a complete health exam and up-to-date immunizations. Low and moderate income children may get their exams and shots free through the Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) Program. For more information about school entry health exams, call the Sacramento County CHDP Program at (916) 875-7151.
Why should my child be vaccinated?
Childhood vaccines have kept children in the U.S. healthy for more than 50 years and have proven to be effective in preventing many diseases. The Food and Drug Administration, along with the CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Family Physicians ensure all vaccines are continually tested and inspected to be sure they are safe for kids.
How much do vaccines cost?
Vaccines are available to all children, regardless of family income. Many health care plans provide children’s vaccines for free or for a small fee.
How can I prepare my child for a vaccine shot?
Arrive on time for the doctor’s appointment and bring your child’s favorite toy, book, or snack to comfort and keep your child occupied in the waiting room. Bring an immunization record book to keep track of your child’s immunizations.
First 5 Sacramento encourages parents to learn more about vaccinations and ways to help protect young kids and keep them healthy. Immunization resources for parents are available in multiple languages on the Center for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines. For more information, contact First 5 Sacramento at (916) 876-5865 or www.first5sacramento.net.
About First 5 Sacramento
Research shows that a child’s brain develops most dramatically in the first five years and what parents and caregivers do during these years to support their child’s growth will have a meaningful impact throughout life. Based on this research, California voters passed Proposition 10 in 1998, adding a 50 cents-per-pack tax on tobacco products to support programs for expectant parents and children ages zero to five. In the last year, First 5 Sacramento distributed approximately $16 million a year in Prop 10 revenues to programs and services that meet local needs. Each county has a First 5 Children and Families Commission providing unique local services for that county. Surrounding First 5’s include: First 5 Yolo: 530-669-2475; First 5 Placer: 530-745-1304; and First 5 El Dorado: 530-672-8298.