Children's vaccinations

Parents want to do everything they can to keep their children healthy and safe. We want that for your child, too. Childhood vaccinations are an important way to protect your child from severe, potentially life-threatening illnesses.

Childhood vaccines are tested, safe and effective therapies. At Aurora Health Care, our pediatricians follow national recommendations for giving childhood immunizations. We share your goal: to provide the best protection for your whole family.

Why are childhood vaccines important?

Vaccines help build your child’s immunity to infectious diseases, many of which can be severe. Before vaccines were available, many illnesses caused serious health complications, including deafness, paralysis, organ damage and even death. Today, the availability of vaccines has drastically reduced these devastating effects.

Getting your child vaccinated helps protect them from diseases before they are exposed. If your child is exposed to the disease after vaccination, there’s only a minimal chance they’ll become infected.

How do immunizations for children work?

Most vaccines contain inactive (dead) or weakened viruses or bacteria that lead to specific diseases. These germs don’t give your child the disease or make them sick. Instead, they trigger an immune response in your child to create antibodies (immune cells). If your child encounters the virus or bacteria later on, the antibodies recognize the germs and effectively fight off infection.

Some vaccines, such as the COVID-19 vaccine, don’t contain germs. They contain molecules that direct your child’s body to make specific proteins found on the virus or bacteria. These molecules also trigger an immune response and lead to antibody creation.

At what age should you vaccinate your child?

All children should get the hepatitis B vaccine immediately after birth and at 1 month old. Otherwise, children should start their first round of routine vaccinations at 2 months old and get their first COVID vaccine at 6 months old.

What are the childhood vaccines?

Your child needs several vaccinations to protect against disease, including:

• COVID vaccine protects against coronavirus disease 2019
• DTaP protects against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough)
• Flu shot protects against influenza
• HepA and HepB protect against hepatitis A and B
• Hib protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b, which can cause serious complications, such as meningitis
• HPV protects against cancer-causing strains of human papillomavirus (HPV)
• IPV protects against polio
• MMR protects against measles, mumps and rubella
• PCV protects against pneumococcal disease
• RSV protects against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• RV protects against rotavirus
• Varicella protects against chickenpox

What are the five vaccines in pentavalent?

The pentavalent vaccine is a 5-in-1 vaccine to protect against hepatitis B, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, and Haemophilus influenzae type b. It’s commonly available in countries where children have less access to vaccines.

In the U.S., there are two versions of the pentavalent vaccine. One protects against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, and hepatitis B (DTaP-IPV-HepB). The other protects against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (DTaP-IPV-Hib).

Immunization schedule for children

At Aurora, our pediatricians and care teams immunize your child during their well-child visits. We follow guidance from the CDC regarding your child’s immunization schedule. See the CDC’s vaccination schedules for:

• Birth through 6 years
• 7 to 18 years

Delayed vaccine schedule

Your child’s immunization schedule is specifically designed to help protect them most during months when they’re more likely to be exposed to a disease. Following the schedule as recommended provides the most protection for your child.

If your child misses a vaccination, speak with their pediatrician about catching up. Your child’s provider can recommend an alternate schedule to ensure they get the necessary vaccines.

When should my child not get vaccines?

We typically recommend that all children get vaccines as advised by the CDC. In rare cases, your child shouldn’t get vaccines if they have:

• A history of a life-threatening reaction to a previous vaccine
• A disease or take a medication that suppresses their immune system
• Cancer or another serious illness

What to expect during your child’s vaccination appointment

We give most vaccines as a needle injection, although sometimes your child may receive a vaccine as an inhalable mist or a pill or liquid to swallow.

If your child is afraid of needles, there are steps you can take to help them remain calm and relaxed. Learn more about how to manage the fear of needles.

After the vaccine, your child may experience mild side effects, such as a low fever or fussiness. These side effects don’t typically last for more than 24 to 48 hours. You can help to make your child more comfortable by:

• Applying a cool, damp washcloth to the injection site
• Giving them an over-the-counter pain reliever, if your child’s pediatrician is OK with it
• Keeping them hydrated with plenty of fluids

Coordinated immunizations for kids

Our pediatricians offer all the recommended vaccines for children. You and your child experience:

• Fast, easy scheduling: We can get your child in quickly for a vaccination – sometimes on the same day.
• Experienced vaccination team: Our skilled team of doctors, advanced practice nurses, physician assistants and medical assistants has special training in giving vaccinations to children. We aim to make your child’s experience less stressful.
• Affordable options: Most health insurance plans cover recommended vaccines for children as part of preventive care. Contact your insurance provider to see if your plan requires a copay. See a list of the insurance plans we accept.
• Vaccine history and reminders: The LiveWell app and website can send you reminders for the vaccines your child needs. You can also review your child’s health record to keep track of the vaccines they receive from any Aurora provider.

Children’s vaccinations: Resources for parents

These resources can help you learn more about immunizations for kids, get your child’s immunization record and find affordable vaccines:

• Aurora immunization tracker: Track the vaccines your child has already received and which ones they’ll need next. Download the immunization tracker [PDF].
• CDC information: The CDC provides comprehensive information about vaccines for your children in English and Spanish. Read about childhood vaccines.
• Wisconsin Immunization Program: Find your child’s immunization record, learn about free vaccination eligibility and more. Learn about the immunization program.

To see your child’s immunization information in LiveWell, make sure your account is connected to your child’s via proxy access.