Vaccinating your children is one of the most important things you can do to protect their health. When children are not vaccinated, they are at increased risk for serious diseases. Vaccination helps prevent the spread of disease and protect against dangerous complications.

Providence Health Plans recommends a schedule of immunizations (PDF) for children that starts at birth. Following the recommended schedule of shots is important, as protection against some diseases requires more than one shot. Be sure your child receives all vaccines in a series for full protection against the disease.

To reduce the total number of shots your child receives, your provider may use a combination vaccine. A combination vaccine protects against multiple diseases in one shot. If available, a combination vaccine can reduce the number of shots given as well as the number of trips needed to see your child’s health care provider.

Ask your child’s health care provider at every well and sick visit if your child is due for any vaccines. Take your child’s immunization schedule with you to every visit and document when he or she received each shot. Children can usually receive vaccines even if they are not feeling well, and you can schedule an appointment with your child’s health care provider just to get a vaccine.

We know you have questions about vaccination, and we want to help you make the right choice to keep your child protected against harmful diseases. At Providence, we take your concerns seriously. We also take your children’s health seriously, which is why we believe vaccinating your children is the healthy, safe thing to do. View these frequently asked questions page to see why we believe vaccination is the right choice.

Remember, it is better to get vaccinated than treat a disease. We wouldn’t recommend something that is not safe for your child. Vaccines reduce and even eliminate diseases in our communities. Talk to your child’s health care provider if you have concerns about vaccines.

Based on your child’s birthday, you can create a schedule of vaccines with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Childhood Immunization Schedule.

Vaccines given in the first years of life don’t protect your child forever. Your preteen could be at risk for meningitis, tetanus and whooping cough (pertussis) if he or she isn’t up to date on shots. School, camps and other social settings are opportunities for exposure to disease. Scheduling an exam for your preteen is a great way to learn more about your child’s emotional and physical development. It’s also a good time to catch up on vaccines. Here is a list of vaccines recommended for preteens (PDF) by the CDC.

View Providence Health Plans’ children’s preventive guidelines (PDF) to keep your child up-to-date on visits and interventions. Based on your child’s birthday, you can create a schedule of vaccines with the CDC’s Adolescent Immunization Scheduler.

Children are not the only population that needs vaccination. Adults need vaccines to stay healthy as well. View the CDC’s adult schedule of immunizations (PDF).

Adults may be at risk for diseases and complications brought on by disease if they have not had the disease or have not been vaccinated against the disease. And even if you’ve been vaccinated, you may need to receive a booster shot to keep up your immunity; some vaccines, such as the one for whooping cough, do not offer lifelong protection.

Talk to your health care provider to make sure you are up to date on your vaccines as well as other adult preventative health guidelines (PDF).

Many vaccines are safe to receive while pregnant. Before becoming pregnant, make sure you are up-to-date on routine adult vaccines (PDF). Proper vaccination will help protect you and your child.

If you are pregnant during flu season, we strongly recommend you get the inactivated flu vaccine. A pregnant woman who gets the flu is at risk for serious complications and even hospitalization. Vaccines are safe in the period following giving birth – even if you are breastfeeding. For more information, consult our guidelines on prenatal and postpartum care (PDF).

If you plan on traveling outside the U.S., you may require additional vaccines. For more information, visit the CDC for traveler’s information. If you are in the Portland metropolitan area, visit the Providence Medical Group Traveler’s Clinic.

For more information on vaccines, visit the CDC.