According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), immunization is one of the best ways parents can protect infants, children, and teens from 16 potentially harmful diseases. Vaccine-preventable diseases can be very serious, may require hospitalization, or even be deadly -- especially in infants and young children.
Nearly all children can be safely vaccinated, but there are exceptions and some children may not be able to receive some vaccines. Examples include:
- Children with allergies to something in a vaccine
- Children with weakened immune systems due to an illness or a medical treatment, such as chemotherapy
CDC Recommended Immunization Schedule for Children, Birth through 6 Years and 7-18 Years