Why are immunizations important?
The 11 childhood diseases can cause crippling health problems and sometimes death for children. The diseases include measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Haemophilus influenza type B, hepatitis B, pneumococcus, varicella and polio. The good news is that these diseases are preventable with immunization.

Why is immunization effective?
The organisms that cause a disease are weakened or killed and then made into vaccines. These vaccines are injected into the body. The body reacts by making disease-fighting antibodies that build up in the immune system and guard against these diseases for a long time.

Aren't babies born with some antibodies?
Because babies have received antibodies from their mother's blood system, babies are immune to many diseases when they are born. But this immunity wears off during the first year of life. That's why immunization programs, which help young bodies build their own defenses against disease, should be started early (at two months) and carried out faithfully.

What are the risks of immunization?
Like other medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. These are usually mild - a slight fever, a sore arm, a mild rash - and don't last long. On rare occasions they are more serious. However, medical experts believe the benefits of complete immunization far outweigh the risks.

When should I have my child immunized?
Consult your pediatrician about an immunization schedule for your child.